Easy Rustic Apple Tart

Wow! It has been a crazy week. I feel like I was constantly on the go that all my days this week seemed to blur together. In fact, last Friday feels like just two days ago. Is that good or bad? On top of that, we had a couple of gorgeous (I mean really awesome) days this week and we were just trying to cram as much outdoor time in the evenings as we can. (I am so EXHAUSTED!) Anyway, Alex finally did get to play in his pile of leaves – he was under it, on top of it, rolling around in it…he had a blast! :D Wish I had taken some pictures but it was just too dark at that point.

What? Halloween is in five days??? I just realized that yesterday. Since Alex has yet to pick his costume, I suggested to him that we could make Joseph’s colorful coat (as we just finished reading about Joseph’s story in our history book) and he could wear the coat as his costume. He was agreeable but almost immediately after that, he asked me (in a very concerned manner), “The other children won’t be jealous?” (in reference to how Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him for being the only one to receive the colorful coat from Jacob). I was surprised when he asked that and I had to reassure him that the jealousy part only happened with Joseph’s brothers. :D And then, seeking further reassurance, he asked, “They won’t throw me into a pit?” (in reference to how Joseph’s brothers threw him into a pit while they tried to figure out what to do with him). I have to admit that the question made me laugh out loud (I’m such a bad mom!). I really didn’t mean to terrify my child when I suggested Joseph’s colorful coat as the costume, seriously! (On the other hand, is it terrible of me to be glad that apparently he did pay attention during our lesson?) So once again, I reassured Alex that nothing like that would happen. He seems convinced now and is excited about wearing the colorful coat. Now, I just have to make it (which frankly, I have no idea how). :D Today, I’m going to head to Joann and get some fabric. Wish me luck!

Finally, let’s get to our easy-peasy rustic apple tart recipe. The local orchards received a triple whammy from Mother Nature this year – with frost in the spring, drought in the summer and excessive rain this fall, the apples aren’t as plentiful this year. So, we didn’t get to pick our own apples this year (which was a little sad) but we still bought yummy apples from our local orchard’s store. If you love homemade apple pie but just simply don’t have the time to make one, try this delicious substitute, which took me only 20 minutes to prep. Prepare it right before dinner, and you’ll have a wonderful, semi-homemade dessert to feast on. Enjoy!

⅓ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 pounds Golden Delicious apples (5 to 6), peeled, cored, sliced ¼ inch thick
1 box Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

Note: We love that during baking, the Golden Delicious apples at the very bottom layer cook down to an almost applesauce-like consistency, providing a contrast to the upper layer where the apple slices retain their shape.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 13″ x 18″ rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside until needed. Combine light brown sugar and lemon juice in a large bowl, then stir in the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Remove pie crusts from the fridge and unroll both crusts right on the baking sheet. Divide apples between both crusts, leaving a 2-inch border around edge. Fold the dough over the apples, pleating it every inch or two. Lightly brush top of both crusts with water, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake tarts until crust is golden and crisp, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool tarts on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then use the parchment paper or large spatula to transfer the tarts directly onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temp.