Valentines heart apple tart

To keep up with my week long homage to Valentines day, I made a free-form apple tart that would be the perfect way to show your sweetheart just how much you love them! It is a little time consuming placing the apples, but aren't they worth it =)?

Crust
1 1/3 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 c. shortening, chilled
1/4 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3 tbsp ice cold water

Apples
4-5 apples (i used mcintosh and they were on the small side)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water
3 tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of clove
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced into small pieces

For pie crust: In bowl put flour, salt, and sugar and mix together. Add in shortening and butter, cut in until butter/shortening resembles the size of peas. Add in cold water and mix just until it comes together. Do not over mix! Wrap in plastic wrap and refridgerate for 1-2 hours.

For apples: Place lemon juice and water into bowl and set aside. Mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove and set aside. Cut, peel, and thinly slice apples and place in lemon juice and water and gently toss. Add in cinnamon mixture and gently toss again.


I used my favorite crust recipe, but any pie crust (including store bought) would work out perfectly.


I rolled out the crust and cut it into a general heart shape.

Then I placed the apples making sure to leave about an 1 1/2" all the way around.



Next I rolled the edge over all the way around.



and then cripped



Cube 2 tbsp butter into small pieces and scatter on top.



Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden.

This is best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

Happy Valentine's Day!