Apricot Puff Pastry Twists With Vanilla Ice Cream Food

PUFF PASTRY GLAZED APRICOT TWISTS

Steps:

• Set oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you will most likely need two baking sheets for 16 pastries).
• Roll out one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface into a 12x10-inch rectangle, then cut in half lengthwise (I use a pizza cutter for this).
• Cut each half crosswise into four 5x3-inch strips (for a total of 8 strips).
• Spread each strip with about 1/2 tablespoon apricot jam, then fold the strips in half lengthwise to form 1-1/2-inch wide strips.
• Twist each strip 3 times, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining puff pastry (you should have 16 pastries when done, you might have to use two baking sheets.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
• Transfer the twists to a rack.
• In a small bowl whisk together confectioners sugar, whipping cream and lemon juice; brush over the warm pastries.

PUFF PASTRY TWISTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or buttered waxed paper.
• Unroll the puff pastry on a work surface. Brush the pastry generously with melted butter.
• In a small bowl, toss together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the pastry.
• Working lengthwise, cut the pastry in half and then cut each half into 6 even strips, each 3/4-inch wide. Twist the strips to make long twisted "straws".
• Transfer to the prepared pan, pushing the ends down with your thumb to help them stay in place on the pan and remain twisted. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
• To make the sauce, heat the milk in a saucepan. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and whisk to melt it. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Keep sauce warm until ready to serve.
• To serve, place the twists on a tray and serve with the sauce along side for dipping.

EASY APRICOT TART

Steps:

• First, make the marzipan. Mix both sugars with the ground almonds and vanilla in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle. Reserve 1 tsp of the beaten egg in a small dish, then tip the rest into the well along with the lemon juice. Mix everything well, then mix in the cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture is spreadable (you may not need all the cream). Chill for 20 mins if it's too warm to spread properly, or greasy. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
• Roll out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, then score it lightly around the edges to create a 1.5cm border - be careful not to cut all the way through. Lightly score a diamond pattern over the middle to keep the pastry from rising in the centre during cooking.
• Spread the marzipan over the middle of the pastry, leaving the border clear (see tip, below). Top with the apricots, cut-side down. Brush the border with the reserved beaten egg, then bake for 15 mins. Scatter over the flaked almonds. Bake for 5-10 mins more until the almonds are golden and the pastry has cooked through.
• Warm the jam over a low heat, then brush it over the apricots. Cut into squares and serve warm with ice cream or cream. Will keep chilled for up to two days.

UPSIDE-DOWN CARAMELIZED APRICOT TART

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 425°F. Combine 1/2 cup sugar if using canned apricots (or 3/4 cup sugar if using fresh apricots) and 2 tablespoons water in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup is deep amber, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped into water and swirling pan, about 8 minutes. Add butter and cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until any caramel bits are dissolved. Immediately pour caramel into nonstick 10-inch-diameter ovenproof skillet; swirl to cover bottom of skillet. Carefully place apricot halves, rounded side down, tightly together atop caramel.
• Roll out puff pastry sheet on lightly floured surface to 12 1/2-inch square. Using 12-inch tart pan bottom or platter as guide, cut pastry into 12-inch round. Place puff pastry round atop apricots in skillet. Gently press down pastry around apricots at edge of skillet. Bake tart until pastry is puffed and deep golden, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 1 minute. Cut around edge of pastry to loosen. Place large rimmed platter atop skillet. Using oven mitts as aid, hold skillet and platter tightly together and invert, allowing tart and syrup to fall onto platter. Carefully lift off skillet. Rearrange any apricots that may have become dislodged. Serve warm.