By: Lauren McRae

What’s better than eating pretty food that’s healthy, too? These delicate, apple rose pastries only require a few ingredients to make, and will definitely be the talk of the party this Thanksgiving.

“Apples are extremely rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber,” said Lisa Zoberman, MPH, RDN, LDN, Registered Dietitian. “The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.” So, don't be afraid to pass around the table these apple pastries - they're a 'good for you' sweet treat. 

This recipe uses ‘apple butter’ which is a highly concentrated form of applesauce that’s made by slow-cooking apples with water or cider until the sugar in the apple caramelizes and turns dark brown. You can also purchase it in the store if you’re short on time.

Ingredients:

• 1 large apple (or 2 smaller apples)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 lemon - juice
• 2 tablespoon apple butter
• Cinnamon and ground cloves (sprinkle to taste)

Directions:

1. Slice an apple in half and then carefully cut the core out without breaking the apple. You want to keep half of the apple intact.
2. Cut your apple slices. The key to making these rose pastries is cutting the apple slices really thin. If your apples are too thick, they will crack when you roll them.
3. Have patience while making thin slices or use a mandolin with a guard and food holder.
4. Heat your sliced apple slices in water in the microwave to make them soft and pliable. Caution, the apple slices may be hot, so be careful handling them.

Puff Pastry:

1. Slightly roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet on a floured surface. 

2. Cut with a Chef's knife the pastry into six even long strips. Spread a thin layer of apple butter onto each strip.  

3. Starting on one end, place the apple strips onto the top half of the puff pastry strip (skin side up), slightly stacking the slices on top of each other as you work your way down.

4. Leave a little bit of each apple slice (skin side up) popping off the top of the pastry strip so that it can help create a flower look. When you get to the end, leave a little empty space on the pastry strip.

5. Sprinkle cinnamon and ground cloves (or nutmeg) on the apples. Fold over the pastry onto the apple slices.

6. Start on the side you started with and start rolling. When you get to the end, take the little bit of extra puff pastry and rub/press it into the outside of the pastry rose to create a slight seal.

7. Spray a muffin pan with a non-stick spray and then add your pastry rose.

8. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

9. Remove from oven, and let the pastries cool. Dust with powdered sugar.

This recipe is inspired by the recipe listed on The Love Nerds food blog.