*Spiced Apple Puffs*
Serves 6

These delicious tarts are incredibly easy to make and yet so impressive when they are done.  Who wouldn't like a mini apple pie, in a deliciously flakey crust with an almond filling hidden beneath the apple.  Glazed with maple syrup and mixed spice, it makes the perfect autumnal dessert.

50g butter, softened
50g icing sugar, sifted
50g ground almonds
1 X 375g pack of ready rolled puff pastry
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cut in half, cored and then sliced thinly
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
2 TBS amber Maple Syrup (Grade B)
1 tsp mixed spice
Creme fraiche to serve

Pre-heat the oven to 220*C/425*F.  Place the butter, icing sugar, and almonds in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.  It will look like this is never going to happen, but bear with it . . . all of a sudden like magic it will be creamy and smooth!

Unroll the puff pastry and cut 6 three inch rounds out with a sharp knife.  Place some 2 inches apart on a baking sheet which you have lined with parchment paper.  Divide the almond mixture between each, spreading it out and leaving a narrow border around the outside edge of each tart.  Arrange the apple slices on top, trying to keep the shape of the half apple as best as you can, but allowing them to fan out a bit.  Brush the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg, trying not to let it drip down onto the parchment paper.

Bake the pastries for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.  Remove from the oven.

Stir the mixed spice and Maple Syrup together and brush this mixture over top of the tarts.  Return to the oven and bake for a further 5 minutes.  Serve warm or cold with a dollop of creme fraiche on each.  Delicious!