What would your valentine’s day be without roses and sugary treats? Probably nothing. So why not combine the 2 staples of this romantic holiday in one activity that you can do with a special someone, some friends, or just enjoy with yourself (more for you honestly). Here’s a recipe for a treat that’s simply beautiful and delicious. It’s both easy and fun to make and being that it is only made up of a couple ingredients, it won’t break the bank either.

Ingredients

• 1 box puff pastry sheets
• 2-3 red apples
• 1 can peach or apricot reserves (or any other of your favorite fruit)
• 1 box/bag Powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp honey/sugar (optional)
• nutella (optional)

Steps

1. Defrost your puff pastry per instructions on the box
2. Slice your apple in half from top to bottom
3. Carefully cutout the core with a knife
4. Lay your halved apples down on a cutting board and cut thin slices out of it, about the width of a nickel. Don’t cut them too thin otherwise they’ll crisp up in the oven and basically become stale chips. (use a mandolin if you have to ensure consistency)
5. Immediately after slicing, place in a pot or bowl of water with your sugar/honey. This will help retain their natural color
6. If using a bowl, microwave for about 3 minutes. If using a pot, simmer for about 3 minutes
7. Allow the slices to become soft enough to fold over themselves without breaking
8. Roll out your puff pastry with a rolling pin to thin it out
9. Cut roughly 2 inch strips out of the pastry (use a pizza cuter if you have, it’s much easier)
10. Spread the fruit preserves on the pastry
11. Place apple slices on like so
12. Fold the bottom half up
13. Gently roll the pastry up
14. Dab a small amount of the preserves on the end of the roll to seal the roses off
15. Bake in the oven at 400 for roughly 45 mins with a lightly greased muffin tray (or lightly wrap each rose in tin foil to prevent from falling apart
16. Sprinkle with powdered sugar
17. Serve with Nutella

words & photos_dakota regan