Apples are abundant in fall, found in ciders, pies, and turkey stuffing for Thanksgiving. They are an incredibly versatile fruit found in both savory and sweet treats. This Instructable takes the fall fruit and turns it into a delicious and decorative bite sized pie or tart in the shape of a rose. It's simple, fast and a crowd pleaser. So break it out to sweeten your next holiday or festive feast!

Step 1: Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375F.

You'll need the following for your Apple Roses:

Two Red/Pink Skinned Apples (I used a Pink Lady and a Winesap Apple)
Pre-made Pie Crust
3 Tablespoons of Butter
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Lemon (to juice)
1 teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice
A pinch of Salt
Flour to cover cutting board

Tools:

Sharp Knife
Muffin Pan
Bowl
Microwave

Step 2: Half and Core

Cleanly and evenly, cut your two apples in half. You should now have four apple halves. Using a teaspoon scoop out the core of your apple.

This is also a good time to preheat your oven if you haven't done so already. Preheat to 375F.

Step 3: Slice 'Em

Turn each apple so that the cut side is face down on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife slice the apple halves crosswise until they are about 1 cm thick.

You can also use a mandolin for this step if you happen to have one.

Step 4: Soften

Next, you'll have to soften your apples so that they can easily roll into the final rose form.

Place your apple slices in a bowl and cover with the juice from half a lemon. You'll also want to add a tablespoon of water. Place your bowl in the microwave and heat for 40 seconds. Gently stir apples to make sure they get even heating. Reheat in your microwave for another 40 seconds. If you can bend your apples without breaking them they are done. If they are not that soft yet, microwave for another 40 seconds.

Step 5: Dough

Unroll your dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife cut 2 inch (5.08 cm) wide strips.

Step 6: Buttery Goodness

Soften your butter in a small bowl. Once softened, add your brown sugar and your teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix until throughly combined. Once mixed, spread a thin layer of your sugar and butter mixture on each dough strip.

Step 7: Apples

Place your apple slices on each dough strip so that the rounded part of the slice is hanging off of your dough. Overlap each apple slice on top of the one before it.

Step 8: Fold

Fold the bottom half of your dough up so that the apples are sandwiched between the two layers of dough securing them in place.

Step 9: Roll

Starting at the same end that you began layering your apples begin to roll your dough into a tight spiral. Once you've completed the roll, place your rose into a GREASED muffin tin. Continue and repeat with all of your other roses.

Step 10: Bake

Bake your roses in your oven at 375F for 40 minutes. Once done, cool for at least 5 minutes before removing your roses from the pan.

Step 11: Enjoy

You're done! Enjoy your new mini apple roses. They can be a fun breakfast pastry or a clever desert addition to a fall themed meal.

Introduction: Apple Roses