Spiced Apple Napoleons With Pomegranate Caramel Sauce Food

BAKED APPLES WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Core the apples. Using a paring knife, score a ring around the midriff of each apple, just cutting through the skin to prevent the apples from bursting during baking. Stuff the apples with the figs and almonds. Set on a baking sheet, and bake until puffed up and soft all the way through, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, put the sugar in a saucepan with a spoonful of water, and boil to a golden caramel, about 5 minutes, depending on how much water you've added. Do not stir the sugar with a spoon, gently swirl the saucepan over the heat until the desired color. You want a nice rich caramel color, but don't let it get too dark.
• Serve the baked apples warm from the oven with the sauce poured over and with a generous slump of cinnamon whipped cream or creme fraiche on the side.

APPLE NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. Place pastry on a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons cinnamon mixture. Carefully roll out to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out eight 3 inch squares, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with more parchment and another baking sheet. Chill in freezer until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Bake pastry in oven until crisp and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Remove top parchment and baking sheet. Transfer, with bottom parchment, to a wire rack, and let cool.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat until foam subsides. Add apples; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Add remaining cinnamon mixture. Cook until apples are tender but not falling apart. Let cool completely. To assemble, top the pastry with whipped cream then apples; repeat with another layer of each. Serve immediately.