Valentine's Day Apple Roses

Ingredients:

1 Pastry Sheet 

3 Apples 

5 Tbsp Sugar

2 tsp Cinnamon

1 pinch Nutmeg

1 tsp Lemon Zest

4 cups Water

3 Tbsp  sugar

2 Tbsp lemon juice

Powdered Sugar for dusting (optional)

parchment paper

Steps :

1. Wash and core the apples. Slice in very thin slices, slightly smaller than 1/8 inch.  Place the sliced apples in a saucepan along with the 4 cups water, 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2 minutes, or until the apple slices soften and can easily bend. 

2.Strain the apples and let cool in the colander.  Line a plate with paper towels and nicely arrange the apple slices so that they can dry and cool completely. 

3. While the apples are cooling, mix the 5 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest.  Prepare you work surface by lightly sprinkling it with some flour (or just use a silicone mat) and roll out the pastry sheet.  Using a pastry (or pizza) cutter, cut long strips approximately 1/2 inch wide.  Spread the cinnamon mixture over the dough and slightly press it down. 

4. By this time your apples should be cool and almost dry.  Take a few slices and place them on the first strip of pastry dough, overlapping them so they do not fall out and will create a rose-like design (petals) once completed.  Now start rolling, making sure it is fairly tightly rolled.  Place on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

5. Repeat until you have create all of the Apple Roses.

6. Bake at 425˚F for 25 minutes, or until nicely golden.