Apple Turnovers

Directions

1. 1
   In a medium sized saucepan, add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cornstarch, and give a good mix. Set aside.
2. 2
   Onto a large baking sheet, add a sheet of parchment paper and lightly brush paper with some of the butter.
3. 3
   Add the diced apples into the sugar mixture, and stir to coat. Add in the lemon juice, and stir again. Heat the apple mixture on medium heat for about 5 minutes, then set aside and let cool.
4. 4
   During this time, lightly flour your work surface. Unfold one sheet of the puff pastry onto the surface. Dust the top with a bit of flour, then use a rolling pin to roll out the dough so that it is about 12 inches long and wide. Cut the dough into four squares.
5. 5
   Using the beaten egg, brush the edges of the dough squares.
6. 6
   Preheat the oven to 400 F.
7. 7
   Add about 1/4 cup of the cooled apple mixture into the center of each square. Fold over the dough to match each corner, then use a fork and gently push down onto the edges to seal each turnover. Use a strong spatula to move each sealed turnover onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife and add two small slits onto the top of each turnover so that it releases the steam while baking.
8. 8
   Repeat with remaining dough squares, and remaining sheet of puff pastry. Once all of the turnovers are on the baking sheet, brush with the remaining egg mixture, the pour over any remaining sauce from the apple mixture.
9. 9
   Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the turnovers from the oven and set aside to let cool, about 10 minutes or so.
10. 10
    When my daughter came home, and my wife for that matter, they were pleasantly surprised by the awesome smell inside of the house (you can't beat that apple cinnamon smell). Their eyes lit up and they both immediately asked 'what are those?'.
11. 11
    After I asked them to take one (I'm not a big fan of eating dessert before dinner), they were both blown away. They almost remind you of those warm apple pies you used to eat as a kid when you went to McDonalds, but much, much better. The exterior is nice and sticky from the sauce being cooked on top (I could just eat that alone), and then you get this warm, flaky crust. The warm, and gooey interior is nothing short of comforting. The cloves really make the apple mixture pop and leave you wanting more.
12. 12
    These were a perfect dessert and a perfect snack for the family over the course of a couple of days. I hope you enjoy.