Apple parcels: recipe!

Tomorrow marks the start of September. The back to school routine, starting back at many clubs and activities and the start of Autumn.

With that can come different challenges, new routines and adjusting out of holiday mode. It can also mean the start of new friendships, new experiences and for those who have been juggling work and childcare over the summer holidays, it can mean a little bit of respite!

I have the perfect thing for you - my apple parcel recipe, ideal to make this weekend, in readiness for the new week ahead (if they last that long...). Super easy to make with the whole family and passes our taste test!

Speedy apple parcels

Ingredients:

1 pack pre-rolled puff pastry

1 apple

2 tsp jam (Optional - see notes)

Sugar (brown sugar is best but any will be ok)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180oC fan (Gas Mark 4)

2. Peel and core your apple. Chop your apple into small, bitesize pieces.

3. Lay out your pastry sheet on to a board or worktop. Cut into 10 equal rectangles. This is best to do by cutting in half lengthways, then dividing each half into 5 rectangles.

4. Spoon a small amount of apple onto half the rectangles. Make sure you leave about a little less than 1cm around each the edge of the rectangles.

5. Then add a small amount of jam on top of the apples, if you are using some.

6. Use a finger or a pastry brush to lightly wet the outside of each of the rectangles with apple on.

7. Carefully place one of the empty rectangles over the apple ones, to make a parcel. Press round the edges gently.

8. Use a fork to crimp the edges and hold everything in place!

9. Use a fork to gently make some holes on the top of each parcel.

10. Sprinkle the top of the parcel with a little bit of sugar.

11. Place on a lined baking tray and bake in the oven for 15 - 20 minutes until the pastry is lovely and golden.

12. Carefully allow to cool on a baking rack - the jam will be super hot if any has leaked out!

13. Enjoy!

Notes

The jam can be swapped if you opt to not use it. You can use either a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or sugar on top of your apples.

These can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, in an air tight container. They can be eaten cold, or warmed back in the oven, air fryer or microwave. If reheating, make sure the filling is piping hot. Reheating in the oven or air fryer will keep your pastry crispy.

Allergies: This can be easily adapted to those with allergies. Pre-bought pastry will often be dairy free already. This recipe also doesn't use any extra milk or egg either. You can also buy gluten-free ready rolled pastry! The apple can be swapped for any fruit, firmer fruits such as pears / peaches may work better than soft fruits.