Festive Apple Puff Pastry Delight

### Instructions

#### 1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot, ready for your puff pastry to bake to perfection.

#### 2. Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the apples. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) over the apples and stir gently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples soften slightly but still retain their shape. Add the lemon juice to balance the sweetness and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let the apple mixture cool.

#### 3. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought pastry, ensure it’s thawed and easy to work with. Cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles (about 4×4 inches or 4×6 inches, depending on how large you want the individual pastries to be).

#### 4. Assemble the Pastries
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each puff pastry square. Be sure not to overfill to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a neat parcel or an open turnover shape.

#### 5. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the puff pastry. This will give your pastries a golden, glossy finish when they bake.

#### 6. Bake the Pastries
Place the prepared puff pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is crisp and the apple filling is bubbling slightly.

#### 7. Garnish and Serve
Once the pastries are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy touch. If desired, garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers to add a festive pop of color.

### Tips for Success:
– **Apple Varieties:** Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to ensure your filling doesn’t become mushy.
– **Make It More Festive:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the pastries for added texture and flavor.
– **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the apple filling in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the pastries. Just make sure the filling has cooled completely before using it.
– **Vegan Version:** Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly option.

### Why You’ll Love This Dessert:
– **Flaky and Buttery:** The puff pastry creates a perfect balance of crispiness and flakiness, complementing the warm, tender apples inside.
– **Sweet and Spiced:** The apple filling, flavored with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of lemon, is a delightful, aromatic treat that evokes the spirit of the season.
– **Elegant Yet Easy:** This dessert looks impressive enough to serve at any festive gathering, but it’s incredibly simple to prepare.

This Festive Apple Puff Pastry Delight is the perfect combination of flaky, buttery pastry and the sweet, spiced warmth of apple filling. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to add a touch of sweetness to your week, these pastries are sure to be a hit. Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat!