Caramelized Apple Tarts Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 package (11.1 ounces) no-bake cheesecake mix
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

• Unfold pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut into eight 4-in. circles. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• Prepare cheesecake filling according to package directions; set aside. (Save packet of crust crumbs for another use.)
• In a large skillet, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat; stir in cinnamon. Add half of the apples; cook and stir for 10 minutes or until tender.
• Remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Repeat with remaining apples. Drain cooking juices, reserving 1/3 cup in the skillet; discard remaining juices. Add cream to skillet; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
• Split each pastry in half horizontally. Top each with 2 heaping tablespoons of cheesecake filling. Top with apple slices and drizzle with caramel sauce. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 16 servings.

Caramelized Apple Tarts published in Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook Annual 2005, p28