Apple and Cheese Turnovers

SERVINGS: makes 12 hand pies (can be easily halved by using only 1 sheet of puff pastry - roll out to 8 x 12 and cut 6 squares)

These turnovers or hand pies have a filling that combines tart and sweet apples with farmer cheese and cinnamon.

1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out puff pastry

1 pound puff pastry (I used the frozen sheets)

2 Honey Crisp apples, or apples of your choice, coarsely shredded (I used the largest holes on a box grater)

3 tablespoons sugar, plus more for sprinkling over turnovers

1/2 cup farmer cheese (most well-stocked stores carry it in tubs). See Note*

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional - my addition)

Pinch of salt

1 large egg, beaten

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry sheets into two 8 x 12 rectangles and cut out twelve (6 for each sheet) 4-inch squares. Transfer the squares to a baking sheet and freeze until firm, 10 minutes.

In a bowl, toss the apples with the sugar, farmer cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour.

Preheat the oven to 375°. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats. Brush the edges of the squares with the egg and mound 2 tablespoons of the apple filling on each one. Fold to form triangles and press to seal. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.

Using a fork, crimp the edges of the triangles. Brush the tops with egg and sprinkle with sugar. Cut 3 small slits in each to release steam. Bake until golden and crisp, about 30 minutes, shifting the pans front to back halfway through. Let cool, then serve.

*I've read that you can use small curd cottage cheese in place of Farmers Cheese. Drain it very well and then pulse it in a food processor for a creamy texture.