Grand Marnier Apple Tarte Recipes

MEDIEVAL APPLE TART (SILVER PALATE)

Steps:

• Unwrap the phyllo sheets and cover them with a damp towel for 10 minutes. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
• Preheat the oer to 425°F.
• Using a pastry brush, lightly butter a 14-inche baking pan. Lay a phyllo sheet on the pan. Remember to re-cover the unused phyllo with a damp towel each time. Brush the phyllo with some of the melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and 1 teaspoon of the Grand Marnier. Repeat using 5 more phyllo leaves.
• Arrange the apples in the center of the top sheet of phyllo in a circular mount about 6 inches in diameter. Brush them with butter and sprinkle with some sugar and Grand Marnier.
• Stack 6 more phyllo sheets on top of the apples, repeating and buttering and sprinkling with sugar and Grand Marnier. The top (twelfth) sheet of phyllo should only be buttered.
• Trim off the corners of the phyllo sheets so you have a large round about 8 inches in diameter. Turn up the edges of the phyllo and pinch lightly to seal. Be tidy but don't work too long on this; the tart should look rustic.
• Set the pan on the center of the oven and bake until golden, 30-40 minutes. If the pastry becomes too brown before this time, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Serve the tart immediately or reheat gently before serving.
• Serve with a dollop of Creme Fraiche.

EASY TARTE TATIN (COOK'S ILLUSTRATED)

Steps:

• Adjust rack to middle position in oven and then heat to 400. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the puff pastry on the parchment. Bake until golden brown and puffed, 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter; press lightly to flatten if domed.
• Meanwhile, melt butter in a 12-inch, nonstick skillet over high heat. Remove the pan from heat and spinkle evenly with the sugar. Lay the apples in the skillet. Return to heat. Cook, stirring apples halfway through, until the juices in the pan turn a rich amber color and apples are carmelized, about 15 minutes.
• Remove apples from the pan one at a time. Arrange them in overlapping rows on the pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Spoon about half of the pan juices over the apples.
• Whisk the cream and Grand Marnier (if using) into the remaining juices in the pan. Bring to a simmer. Pour some sauce over the tart just before serving, passing the remaining sauce separately.
• FOR PEAR TATIN: Substitute 2 lbs. pears (about 4) for the apples. You may need to increase the carmelization time to 20-25 minutes. Use Poire William instead of Grand Marnier if using a liquor.
• LIQUOR OPTION FOR APPLES: Cognac. I believe it is a classically French pairing with apple desserts. It's not the Cook's Illustrated version, tho, if you want to use strictly their recipe. I used it in a different tart recipe once, and it was awesome. Thanks to the first reviewer for this idea!