1 (17-ounce) package puff pastry
4 medium tart apples, peeled and cored
4 teaspoons butter
4 teaspoons cinnamon sugar, divided
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons cream or water
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1½ cups packed brown sugar
½ cup butter, cubed
Pinch of salt
Whipped cream or ice cream (optional)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Follow thawing directions on pastry box. On a floured board, roll pastry out and cut into 4 (7-inch) squares. Place an apple on each square. Place 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar in center of each apple. Gently bring up corners of dough to each center, pinching edges together to seal. Cut leaves and stems from scraps. Whisk egg yolk and cream together and brush over pastry, leaves, and stems. Attach decorations with egg mixture and place apples in a prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of remaining cinnamon sugar.
For caramel sauce, In a large saucepan, combine remaining ingredients. Bring just to a boil, swirling pan just until blended and sugar has melted. Pour over apples and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar. Bake until tender and pastry is golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Yield: 4 servings