CARAMELIZED APPLES

Servings: 10 10 to 12 Granny Smith apples, peeled (see note) 2 cups sugar 1⁄2 cup apple cider, warmed 1 cup corn syrup

Use the small end of a melon baller to create spheres or halfspheres from the apples. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and enough water to make it sandy, about 1/3 cup. Bring the sugar-water mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil, then cook without stirring until the sugar turns golden brown, about 7 minutes.

Carefully add the apple cider, stirring to combine. Be careful, as the mixture will rise in the pan and splatter.

Add the apple pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, under the apples are tender, but not soft, about 5 minutes. They will continue to cook as they cool, so they should still feel a bit firm. Remove from the heat and add the corn syrup, and stir to combine.

Pour the apple mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet and set aside to cool completely before using.

Chef’s Note: If you prefer a less dramatic presentation, 6 medium apples will be enough to cover the top of the tart in one even layer.

Nutrition information per serving of tart: 676 calories; 138 calories from fat; 15 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 120 mg cholesterol; 230 mg sodium; 131 g carbohydrate; 6 g fiber; 105 g sugar; 7 g protein.

Nutrition information per serving of dough: 184 calories; 87 calories from fat; 10 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 46 mg cholesterol; 401 mg sodium; 21 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 3 g protein.

Nutrition information per serving of pastry cream: 109 calories; 37 calories from fat; 4 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 72 mg cholesterol; 65 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 12 g sugar; 3 g protein.