One of my goals for 2009 is to try a new recipe at least once a week. And what better way to start the ball rolling than with a new cookbook? I just love Donna Hay's books---her recipes focus on fresh ingredients, bright flavours and vibrant colour---so I picked up a copy of 'The New Cook' and made this apple tart for my dad on New Year's Eve.
As with most Donna Hay recipes, the tart comes together easily. The subtle warmth of apples meets a buttery pastry crust for a dessert that is simple, honest, and downright delicious! A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast for melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Have you set goals for the new year, food-related or otherwise? Tell me in the comments section and I'll randomly select one reader to receive a copy of 'The New Cook' by Donna Hay. It's full of fabulous recipes to make 2009 your tastiest year yet!
Simple Apple Tart
Recipe Courtesy of 'The New Cook' by Donna Hay
3 green apples, peeled, cored and chopped (any crisp baking apple will do)
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons sugar
8 oz ready made puff pastry
4 green apples, extra
1 tablespoon butter, melted
sugar for sprinkling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, water, lemon rind and sugar. Cook until apples are very soft. Mash mixture with a fork until almost smooth, then let cool. Meanwhile, slice four remaining apples very thinly and evenly. Thaw pastry and open it out to create a flat surface. Spread smashed apple mixture evenly on pastry, then layer sliced apples in a pleasing arrangement. Brush the entire surface with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350 degrees until pastry is puffed and golden, about 30 minutes. Yum!
Happy 2009 Anne! That apple tart looks absolutely marvelous! I'm normally not one to make a lot of resolutions but I did decide to make one this year: Learn to let go of control over things I can't change-this is easier said than done I'm sure, but I think it would be a beautiful thing, no?
I'd love to try a new recipe each week as well. Who knows what lovely treats we'll stumble across...so here's to new kitchen adventures!
Posted by: Megan | January 01, 2009 at 08:44 PM
That tart looks INCREDIBLE. Since celebrating my birthday in August, I've vowed to cook more. That book sounds fab! Count me in. :-)
Posted by: Joanna | January 01, 2009 at 09:13 PM
In my post today I mention taking a cooking class as a goal for this new year. Receiving this lovely cookbook could count, no?
Posted by: Danyelle | January 01, 2009 at 09:47 PM
That's like one of my resolutions! I've decided to cook at least once a week, and since I have 5 or 6 great cookbooks, that should allow for at least one new thing a week, theoretically.
I do hope you'll post your favorite recipes as you discover them!
Posted by: Kristy | January 01, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Happy New Year!
One of my new year's goals is to re-embrace my domesticity, which has tailed off since moving to Hong Kong to the extent that my husband complains that all we do is eat take-out... maybe Donna Hay could help me?? ;-)
Posted by: hester | January 01, 2009 at 11:07 PM
I just had breakfast but the apple tart looks so delicious I think I could eat the whole thing right now! ;) happy 2009 and thanks for the receipe anne!
Posted by: Luphia | January 02, 2009 at 01:08 AM
The tart looks scrummy! I might have to try it myself!
One of my New Years resolutions is to throw out 15 things a day to clear out the clutter in my tiny apartment. It might be recipts, old birthday cards...it just has to be 15 things.
Posted by: Trailingspouse | January 02, 2009 at 01:29 AM
the tart looks yummy.
Posted by: Free Printable Coupons | January 02, 2009 at 01:51 AM
I'm trying to use up all of the food I get in my organic box - and not throw it away. I like Donna Hay too - but almost everything I cook these days comes from Orangette - I love that blog.
Posted by: Lynne | January 02, 2009 at 02:49 AM
I love Donna Hay!
I make a macaroon tart of hers in the summer, with raspberries and peaches and coconut ... mmm mmm.
This looks delicious.
Posted by: stephanie | January 02, 2009 at 05:56 AM
I love cooking, but have been pretty unenthusiastic about it lately. I hope to find my motivation and cook up lots of good things in 2009.
Posted by: Allison | January 02, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Our goal is to plan out meals a few nights a week, so we have a good grocery list and healthy options on hand. Stepping away from processed food and going after fresh foods.
Posted by: JILL | January 02, 2009 at 06:24 AM
I'm getting hungry just looking at that delicious creation!!
Donna Hay!! yay!!
Some of my 09 goals are to drink more water, eat healthy, increase my green living ratio, be a better friend & listen & talk to God more!
Posted by: joy | January 02, 2009 at 06:37 AM
I want to make more food at home and not eat out as much!
Posted by: Cabbage | January 02, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Mmmm, that tart looks delish!! I always reflect on the year past and make a little list of goals for the next year a bit later this month, on my birthday. But one thing on there will be more home cooked meals, less dining out, and perfect the margarita :)
Posted by: little house on Green | January 02, 2009 at 07:16 AM
What a beautiful tart! I haven't heard of Donna Hay, but the book sounds like a good one. One resolution for me is to find more use for my recently inherited cast iron skillet. So far it's been yummy and I'm looking forward to more success with it.
Posted by: Carrie | January 02, 2009 at 08:02 AM
Can you imagine!!?? I mentioned Donna Hay as one of my obsessions just few posts ago!!!
So, no need for more comments about her talent :-)
Posted by: juliette c. | January 02, 2009 at 09:37 AM
That is a wonderful goal! I love adding recipes to my repertoire. I am currently working on mastering a really good "go-to" winter soup. That tart looks like it turned out beautifully! Hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!
Posted by: blair | January 02, 2009 at 10:19 AM
My resolution is to become a better cook for when I get married this summer...my fiance/husband will thank me for sure!
...pick me :)
Thanks and cheers~
Lindsay
Posted by: Lindsay H | January 02, 2009 at 10:20 AM
oooh, that looks so good.
Posted by: kasey | January 02, 2009 at 10:31 AM
How could i possibly resist an apple dish like that.
please enter me in the lovley giveaway:)
Posted by: Runway girl | January 02, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Looks delicious! I have set a few goals - posted yesterday. Please count me in for your giveaway - thanks! Happy New Year to you and your husband.
Posted by: Lecia | January 02, 2009 at 11:56 AM
I have set a few goals this year. One is to cook new things. I have learned a few staples that get me and my husband by but I need to experiment more and think outside of the box. Going hand and hand with that goal is my desire to entertain more. My feeling of less than on the kitchen I think prevents me from inviting more people over and entertaining.
Posted by: DawnMarie | January 02, 2009 at 01:06 PM
Yum! I have never attempted an apple tart and I'm seriously tempted now. No real food goals for this year, but I am hoping to slow down and enjoy things more, which includes food!
Posted by: Rachel | January 02, 2009 at 01:09 PM
This is such a fabulous recipe, thanks so much for posting!! Love your blog!
Anne
Posted by: Anne | January 02, 2009 at 01:33 PM