Apple Crostata w/Caramel Sauce - The Secret Recipe Club (#SRC)

I love apple desserts!

Yes, I understand that apples are usually associated with fall and colder weather... but I am happy to enjoy them any time of year. Sweet, juicy and fabulous to pair with a little cinnamon and nutmeg, apples just make me happy. I love how they make my house smell, and I love how they taste. I might even say they take me back to my childhood.

Yes, it is The Secret Recipe Club time again and this is my June installment.

This recipe is courtesy of Wendy from La Phemme Phoodie. I had a wonderful time browsing her recipes, but when I came across this Apple Crostata recipe I knew I had found "the one". Actually, reading her post she says that even after getting rave reviews from everyone that tasted it, but Wendy herself is not a fan of fruit desserts. Well, I am ... and I was determined to enjoy it for her.

This is a simple and delicious recipe. I have made a crostada before, but this particular one is more rustic. Much more like my Rustic Tomato Tart.

So grab a few simple ingredients and get ready for a flakey and juicy apple treat.

Apple Crostata with Caramel Sauce
from La Phemme Phoodie

You Will Need:
Crust

• 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 unsalted butter,  cold and cubed
• 3 Tbsp. cold water
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla

Filling

• 1/2 c. sugar
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 3 medium apples, sliced thinly* 
• 1 tsp. cinnamon*
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg*
• caramel topping, drizzled (optional)

*denotes a variation from the original recipe

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter. It should resemble course sand. Mix together the cold water and vanilla in a small bowl. Begin adding this to your flour mixture till the dough comes together. Form a ball, flatten into a disk and wrap tightly with cling wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In another bowl begin making the filling. Add sugar and flour to a bowl. Toss the apple slices to coat, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it a good toss again.

Take out the dough. Roll out to a 12-inch circle and place on Silpat or parchment on a baking sheet. Arrange your apple slices in the center of the dough leaving 2 inches clear around the edge. Then begin bringing the edges into the middle.

Bake for 27-35 minutes or until the crust turns a golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Cool slightly. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled over the top.

Now, go check out all the other wonderful recipes The Secret Recipe Club has whipped up this week: