Apple Pie you've been waiting for...

When I went to Miami, my only goal was to find the best key lime pie in existence. I can never make a good one.. therefore all that I tried in MIA were 1000 times better and won 1st place in my books. I know I won't ever have this problem with apple pies, because this one is #1.

Ingredients:

Fresh apples from the farm ( I took these pictures back in October)

Peel and grate the apples, I like to grate them pretty thick sometimes even just slice them.

Simmer the apples on low-med heat to evaporate the juices. You can add some sugar or cinnamon to taste as well.

This is what you will need for the dough. Really simple.

Mix half a package of butter, 2 eggs and add a cup of sugar.

Add a table spoon of vanilla extract to the mix..and slowly add flour.

I start by adding 2 cups of flour, then keep adding more until the mixture looks like the next picture. It should feel soft and malleable.

You don't need a mixer, just use a spoon:)

Spread the dough on a baking tray. You can also use a proper dish but I like think crust pie.

Then spread the apple mixture on top (make sure you cooled it down after the juice evaporated)

Then take the remaining dough and roll it out. Cut thin strips and arrange them on the pie like this:

Glaze over with some beaten eggs and throw it on the oven at 400 degrees.

Bake until golden brown!

And we're ready for a tea party

My sister Liza, loves my pie.

Baked Brie

Since we're on the topic of quick hors d'oeuvre and puff pastry dough recipes, here's another one of my favourites:

I love brie on its own.. but the sweet jam and the pastry make it 5000 times better!

It takes 10 minutes to bake and about 5 to prepare. Totally recommend it for any get together.

I used phyllo that was already premade into thin sheets. Place the brie in the center of a stack of 6 phyllo sheets (12 for a larger brie). Spread a jam or some dried fruit on top and grade walnuts or cashews on top. I used strawberry jam since thats all I had, but apricot, pear and fig spread works wonderfully as well.

Every time you fold over a layer of phyllo dough, brush the top with butter, and proceed to the next layer. I did 6 sheets on mine and stuck it in the oven for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes turn off the oven but let the brie sit in there for 10 more.. it keeps it warm, and lets the cheese melt more without burning the pastry.

And voila:

Triangle Spanakapita

This is a simple hors d'oeuvre to serve, and make. I made this very quickly as I had some friends coming by after work.. Just picked up the stuff on our way and was ready in less than 20 mins.

all you need is:

- Spinach (Fresh or frozen- i used frozen)

-2-3 onions

-lemon or lime

- Puff pastry or Phyllo dough

- Butter

So first you chop the onions, and defrost the spinach.

Then sautee the onions and mix in the spinach when they caramelize.

Then add half a lemon, and some spices to taste if you'd like. I am not sure what I added in this photo..some Arabic spice we had at my house, kind of bitter yet sour to the taste. Weird.

Now for the fun part..

Rollll that phyllo

When its about 2-3 mms thick, cut it into small squares (depending on how big you want the triangles to be. Put a tablespoon of the spinach-onion mix in it and fold over like this:

Make it prettyyyy

Before putting them in the oven, brush quickly with egg and butter mix or just butter.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 10 mins or until golden. Depends on the oven usually, my old one would take longer than 20 minutes sometimes!

I would sometimes add feta cheese to the mix, Just didn't have it at hand.