Mini Ontario Apple and Pear Pastries

"In the entire circle of the year there are no days so delightful as those of a fine October..." Alexander Smith

Hiya my followers! What a lovely autumn day!
Here in our neck of the woods, we're enjoying some of those fall days that make you want to get outside and do something! You know, perhaps go to a farmer's market, buy some locally grown apples, pick out a Halloween pumpkin... Well, my sweetie Kevin and I did all of the latter yesterday, right here in Georgetown at 'Allison's Farm Market!' How fun!
So, since I now have a bag of Ontario grown McIntosh apples in our apartment, I figured I should make something with them for my blog today! A quick inventory lets me know we also have some pears, dried cherries, orange juice and puff pastry. Let's see what I can do!

Simple and Tasty Recipe:

Mini Ontario Apple and Pear Pastries
(makes 18)

2 McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
2 Bosc pears, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp orange juice
1 package butter puff pastry, I prefer President's Choice brand (it comes pre-rolled)
1 to 2 tbsp flour
1 egg, beaten
Icing sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the chopped fruit, dried cherries, sugar and orange juice into a bowl and toss together until the sugar is dissolved. Unroll both sheets of puff pastry and using a glass with a circumference of about 8cm, cut out 9 circles of pastry out of each sheet, totalling 18. Place the circles onto a lightly floured surface and transfer the parchment paper from under the pastry onto a large sheet pan or two smaller sheet pans to accommodate all of the pastries. Arrange the circles onto the tray, so they are not touching. Place a heaping tbsp of the apple and pear filling onto the centre of each circle. Brush the edge of the pastry with the beaten egg. Place the tray into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 mins, until the pastry is browned. Allow to cool slightly, sprinkle with icing sugar and serve. Enjoy!

Having the pre-rolled puff pastry in the freezer is so handy! Wouldn't a batch of these mini tarts be perfect for a last minute dinner party offering? Now, as always, please feel free to switch up the recipe to suit your own tastes. Use all apples if you like, substitute the dried cherries with cranberries, add a touch of  cinnamon, toss in some nuts, etc!
So, make sure you also get outside and enjoy these lovely autumn days, okay followers?! Blogger's orders! Ha! Till next time!