There is nothing more fantastic than an old fashioned homemade apple tart tatin. However there is not always time, so this is a great short-cut alternative. It is still so delicious, and a quick fix dessert for week nights or impromptu dinner guests.

This recipe calls for apples, but you can substitute pears, peaches, nectarines or plums.

Short-Cut Apple Tart Tatin

-10oz puff pastry
-4 granny smith apples, peeled
-1 Tbs lemon juice
-6 Tbs butter
-6 Tbs sugar
-1 egg, beaten mixed with 1 tsp of water

1) Slice apples in half, and then slice each half into 8-10 slices, keeping the halves together. Sprinkle the apples with the lemon juice.

2) Melt the butter in a 9″ oven proof frying pan. Stir in sugar until it melts, then remove it from the heat. Arrange the eight apple halves in a circle in the pan on top of the caramel.

3) Put the pan over low heat, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the apples start to caramelize and become tender.

4) Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

5) Roll out the puff pastry and gently place over the apples. Carefully tuck the edges into the pan. Brush the egg wash lightly over the puff pastry. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

6) Let the tart cool for about 5 minutes. When the tart has had the 5 minutes to set up, carefully turn the tart out onto a plate so that the apples are on top of the pastry. Slice into wedges and serve hot with vanilla ice cream.