An apple a day keeps the doctor away

A malfunction nose is just like a malfunction tap - it either leaks or blocks. My nose was leaking for the past two days and it started to block today. Breathing through mouth is not our natural breathing mechanism. It leads dry throat and cough... I had felt breathless most of the time today... and can't exercise till I recover, said my clinic doctor. awwwwfulllll....

Anyhow, I should have learnt to eat an apple day, for it keeps a doctor away. Being curious, I did a quick Google on the adage and found that other than the fact that it rhymes, there appears to be a lack of scientific evidence to prove so. Nonetheless, apples are still considered a super nutritious food that can be enjoyed every day!

Well, I didn’t quite enjoy eating apples until not long ago did I begin to appreciate apples, partly because of a friend's influence. In particular, I really like this species of apple - NZ 4122. It is crunchy, sweet and juicy! Thus, my perfect apple. :)

The following apple related recipe was made using granny smith green apples. It was attempted in response to my dear's subtle expression about his liking for apple desserts.

Apple custard puff pastry

Ingredients A

• 2 tbsp custard powder (I used Bird's custard powder) 
• 1-2 tbsp sugar 
• 568 ml (1 pint) milk 

Ingredients B

• 3-4 Granny Smith green apples 
• 2 tbsp sugar 
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon powder 

Ingredient C

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (I used Pampas Puff Pastry) 

Method

Making the custard - "on the hob" method

1. put custard powder and sugar in a basin 
2. mix into a smooth paste with approximately 2 tbsp of milk taken from the 568 ml. 
3. heat the remaining milk to nearly boiling and pour into the custard mix, stirring well 
4. return to the saucepan and bring to the boil over gentle heat, stirring continuously 

Preparing the apples

1. wash, peel, core and cut the apples into thin slices 
2. toss the apple slices with the sugar and cinnamon until well and evenly coated 

Preparing the puff pastry

1. defreeze the puff pastry as per manufacturer's instruction (or you may leave it outside the fridge for about two hrs) 
2. on a floured surface, cut the puff pastry into cubes (1 pack yields about 12-15 cubes) 
3. roll and flatten each cube into squares or rectangles as desired 
4. place custard and apples in the middle of the puff pastry, leaving about 1cm border from the edge. Fold and join the edges of the puff pastry using water. Bake in preheat oven at 200degC for 15-20 min. 
5. remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.