Let’s Start Fall With Apple Turnovers

Fall season has started. No, not here in Florida. Of course not. There is no seasons in Florida. And as much as I do not miss the freezing cold of NY wind chills, I do once in a while miss fall. But some hot dishes like soups are just a tat more tasty in really cold weather. Not in 60 degree “cold” weather. But still, let’s start fall with apple turnovers.

This year we are doing a fall themed vacation trip. We have rented a cabin on a Mountain close to the Great Smoky Mountains. In Bryson City, NC. In case anyone has been there and can share some tips of best things to do, please do so in the comments!

The weather graph for that region says 44 degree low and 71 degree for high temperature. Since we are closer to November, we might have a low of 33 degree and a high of 61 degree. And I can’t wait. Because food like the recipe I am sharing today is definitely even better eaten after a walk in the cold. And maybe by the fire place (yes, the cabin has a fireplace!).

But now to today’s recipe. It is, once again, based on my favorite base dough recipe that has made for so many great dishes.

All links I am sharing below are tips from me, I am not earning any money with any of your purchases following these links!

Apple turnover

My base dough ingredients are 1 cup of Fage Non-Fat Greek yogurt and 1 cup whole wheat flour. You could replace with full fat or different fat yogurt variations and you can absolutely use all purpose flour. But I am doing WW (aka Weight Watchers) friendly baking, and chose replacements for sugar. To make it rise, I am adding 2 tsp of baking powder and 3/4 tsp of salt.

To make this a sweeter dough add 2 tbsp of Swerve granular sugar replacement. However, if you do not watch calories, you can do 2 tbsp of regular white sugar.

Set dough aside.

Chop 2 large apples (Granny Smith are great, any other rater tart apple will do). Then, in a small sauce pan, add the apples, 2 tbsp of Swerve brown sugar replacement (you can use regular brown sugar, too), 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp corn starch and 1 tsp all purpose flour. Cook until apples are slightly softened. Let them cool!

Preheat oven to 425 degree.

Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Spread some flour on the counter top, roll each portion of dough into a ball and flatten them using your hand until approx. 1/4 inch think and remotely rectangle. Spread on quarter of the apple mixture on the dough and pull over the dough until you have a pocket, pinch sides to close and press them tight with a small fork. Repeat with the three other portions until all your apple mixture is gone.

Brush the top of the turnovers either with an egg wash or spray with butter flavored cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden brown. It’s probably delicious as is as a hand pie. But you can definitely also enjoy it with a scoop of Enlightened Vanilla ice cream .

Summary of what you will need:

• 1 cup Fage fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute all purpose)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp Swerve granular (you can find it at Publix, Target or click here)
• 2 large Granny Smith (or other tart apple)
• 2 – 3 tbsp Swerve brown sugar replacement (Publix, Target or click here)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp corn starch
• 1 tsp flour

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, prepare one large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Chop the two apples, in a sauce pan mix apple, cinnamon, brown sugar replacement, corn starch and flour. Cook apples until slightly soft. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add yogurt and mix until a dough ball forms. Knead the dough 3 – 4 times until smooth. Weigh out 4 equal portions.
4. Take each portion, roll into a ball and on a floured surface stretch out with your fingers to an approx. 1/4 inch thick oval shape.
5. Place apple mixture on each dough and fold dough over to create a pocket. Pinch the sides tight and press down with a small fork.
6. Spray with butter flavored cooking spray or brush with an egg wash. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

So let’s start fall with apple turnover! Enjoy hot and plain or with a scoop of Enlightened vanilla ice cream.

Craving something more savory? Check out my delicious pretzel bites recipe!