TWD: tarte tatin

I was torn over which Tuesdays with Dorie 2nd Anniversary dessert I should make. We got to choose from the tarte tatin and the cocoa-buttermilk birthday cake. At first I was leaning toward the cake thinking I would make a mini size with whipped cream as frosting. It was all circuits go with the cake until Sunday morning when I changed my mind and decided to make the tarte tatin. I luckily had all the ingredients on hand (not that there are many, just apples, puff pastry, sugar and butter). I thought this tarte would be tasty for breakfast. I didn't realize the puff pastry had to defrost so the hungry bellies couldn't wait and we ended up having cheerios for breakfast and tarte tatin for an early afternoon snack.

I had a random variety of apples rolling around in the fruit drawer in the fridge. Some were smaller and a little bruised but I figured once they are all cooked up and smothered in butter and sugar no one would care. I only had seven but my tarte didn't feel apple deficient.

You can't call this a healthy dessert with a whole stick of butter. I melted my butter, added my sugar and then plunked my little apples round side down in my pan. It took forever for the sugar to turn a nice dark caramel color. I might still be hanging out over the stove if I waited for the deep color Dorie suggests. I'm thinking it might be the nonstick pans that are causing me caramel problems. Anyone know anything about this? I let the apples and butter/sugar cook on the stove for probably 25 minutes before I gave up. It was a nice light caramel color. My tummy was grumbling and I was tired of waiting so I called it. You then lay the puff pastry over the apples and stick the whole thing in the oven.

Mine took about 30 minutes in the oven and when I took it out it was a nice golden brown. I love puff pastry. So yummy. I had no problems flipping it onto a serving plate. I did have some trouble waiting the recommended 10 minutes before I could eat it. This was the first dessert I've made in awhile that I tried. So good. So sweet. So perfect. A great anniversary pick. I'm wishing I had another piece now.

I think you may be able to find the recipe for the tarte tatin on our great host, Laurie's blog, Slush. We have to give so much thanks to her for starting this fun baking group. You can also find the recipe for the other anniversary pick the cocoa-buttermilk birthday cake on her blog. Make sure you check out what all the other bakers whipped up this week at Tuesdays with Dorie. I'm sure the cocoa-buttermilk cake was a hit too.

Happy New Year!