National Apple Turnover Day
Delicious cooked apple filling wrapped in a flaky, delicate puff pastry and drizzled with sweet frosting: indulge your taste buds in an apple turnover.
Turnovers are just amazing, delightful fruit filled cups of flavor-coated in a sugary glaze. There’s something special about what basically amounts to a little personal-sized fruit pie, and our favorite pie is the apple!
That’s what makes National Apple Turnover Day so amazing, it’s dedicated to ensuring that everyone gets their own little slice in the form of a whole apple turnover!
How to Celebrate National Apple Turnover Day
The best way to celebrate National Apple Turnover Day is to get down and make your own apple turnovers!
So we’ve provided a recipe for that very purpose! Give it a shot, and once you’ve got this down go wild! Who knows what kind of turnover-y (yes that’s a word, we say so) confections you’ll come up with?
The Best Apple Turnovers
2T Lemon Juice
4c + 1T Water
4 Apples (Granny Smith is best!)
2T Butter
1c Dark Brown Sugar
1t Cinnamon
1T Cornstarch
1 package frozen puff pastry
1T Milk
1t Vanilla
Start off by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples, you can use any kind you want, but Granny Smith’s provide a delightful tartness.
Then combine the lemon, water, and apple slices in a bowl, ensure the apple slices are covered. Then take the butter and melt it down in a large skillet, drain the apples, and throw them in the skillet for 2 minutes before adding the brown sugar and cinnamon, and then continue stirring for 2 more minutes.
At this point, you’re going to want to add 1T of water and cornstarch and add to the skillet. Cook until the sauce has become thick and stir until the apples are covered.
Begin preheating your oven to 400 degrees while you unfold the pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4 equal squares. Put a spoonful of apples in the middle of each square and fold the pastry over to enclose it, sealing the edges by pressing. Place them on a cookie sheet approximately an inch apart.
While they’re in the oven, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and milk and blend, then drizzle over the apple turnovers once they’ve finished 25 minutes in the oven and have cooled. Enjoy!
History Of National Apple Turnover Day
Turnovers are a very simple confection, essentially defined by their name.
While you can have a turnover made with all sorts of ingredients, including just about any kind of meat, dessert turnovers are easily our favorite kind. We all know that the sign of a good pie is a flaky crust, but turnovers take flaky to a whole other level.
National Apple Turnover Day FAQs
Did apple turnovers play a role in any historical events?
Legend tells that in 1630, Saint-Calais, France, faced an epidemic. The town’s lady provided flour and apples to the afflicted, leading to the creation of apple turnovers.
This act is believed to have aided the town’s recovery. Today, Saint-Calais commemorates this with the Fête du Chausson aux Pommes.
How do different cultures incorporate apple turnovers into their cuisines?
While apple turnovers are popular in many countries, variations exist. In France, they’re known as “chausson aux pommes” and are a staple in patisseries.
In the U.S., they’re often enjoyed as a breakfast pastry or dessert, sometimes with added spices like cinnamon. Each culture adds its unique twist to this versatile treat.
Are there any myths or misconceptions about apple turnovers?
A common misconception is that apple turnovers are a modern invention.
In reality, turnovers, or “portable pies,” date back to ancient times. They were convenient meals for travelers, with fruit-filled versions like apple becoming popular over centuries.
What are some creative variations of apple turnovers enjoyed worldwide?
Beyond the classic apple filling, some cultures experiment with additions like nuts, raisins, or caramel.
In certain regions, turnovers might be fried instead of baked, offering a different texture. Seasonal spices or local ingredients also influence regional variations, showcasing the pastry’s adaptability.
How did apple turnovers become associated with July 5th celebrations?
The exact origin of National Apple Turnover Day on July 5th is unclear. Some believe it was established by pastry chefs or apple farmers to promote the treat, possibly as a nod to its European roots.
Regardless of its beginnings, the day encourages enjoying this delightful pastry.
Are there any health benefits to eating apple turnovers?
While apple turnovers are a dessert, they do contain apples, which offer dietary fiber and vitamin C. However, due to added sugars and fats in the pastry, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What are some fun facts about apples used in turnovers?
Apples are part of the rose family, and there are over 7,500 varieties grown worldwide.
In the U.S., over 2,500 varieties are cultivated, with only about 100 grown commercially. The only apple native to North America is the crabapple.
How do apple turnovers differ from similar pastries like strudels or hand pies?
Apple turnovers are made by placing apple filling on a square of pastry dough, folding it over to form a triangle, and baking until flaky.
Strudels, of Austrian origin, involve rolling thin layers of dough around the filling. Hand pies are similar to turnovers but can be savory or sweet and vary in shape and dough type.
What are some tips for making the perfect apple turnover at home?
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent soggy pastry.
Sealing the edges well and venting the top allows steam to escape, resulting in a flaky crust. Brushing with egg wash gives a golden finish.
Are there any festivals dedicated to apple turnovers?
Yes, the Fête du Chausson aux Pommes in Saint-Calais, France, celebrates the apple turnover annually.
This festival commemorates the legendary origin of the pastry and includes various activities centered around apples and pastries.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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