Apple Phyllo Triangles

Cook Time: 15 mins / Servings: 4

These apple and raisin treats are made with phyllo dough pastry triangles that house the sweet fruit filling inside. Pre-made phyllo dough, which can be found in the freezer section of most supermarkets, makes the preparation of these tasty morsels so easy. These little turnover-like pastries can be ready, start to finish, in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium baking apple, peeled and chopped (1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 sheets phyllo dough
• 2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• Nonstick spray coating

Directions:

1. For filling, in a small mixing bowl combine apple, raisins, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Lightly brush 1 sheet of the phyllo dough with some of the melted margarine. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the first sheet, then brush with margarine. Top with the third sheet of phyllo. Do not brush with margarine.
3. Cut the stack of phyllo sheets lengthwise into four strips.
4. For each triangle, spoon one-fourth of the filling about 1 inch from one end of each strip.
5. Fold the end over the filling at a 45-degree angle. Continue folding to form a triangle that encloses the filling, using the entire strip. Repeat with remaining strips of phyllo and filling.
6. Place triangles on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray coating. Brush the tops of the triangles with the remaining margarine.
7. Bake in a 375 degree F. oven about 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm or cool.
8. Make-Ahead tip: Prepare phyllo triangles but do not bake. Cover and chill up to 4 hours. Bake and serve as above.

Raspberry Pastries

These impressive treats are easy to make and require only three simple ingredients: raspberry jam, sugar, and ready-made puff pastry.

Prep: 10 minutes / Total: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, (8 1/2 ounces), thawed, cut into 5 equal strips
• 3 tablespoons raspberry jam
• 4 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unfold puff pastry onto a cutting board; cut crosswise into 5 equal strips.
2. Spread 4 strips with raspberry jam, and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar. Stack coated strips; top with remaining strip. Freeze until firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. With a serrated knife slice stack crosswise 1/4-inch-thick placing slices on baking sheets as you work, 4 inches apart. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
4. Bake until puffed and golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.