Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 1 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　2 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and halved

　　1/2 cup water

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 frozen puff pastry sheet (from a 17 1/4-oz package), thawed

　　

Step 1

Cut apple halves crosswise into 1/16-inch-thick slices and transfer to a bowl.

　　

Step 2

Bring water, sugar, lemon juice, and butter to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved, then pour over apples. Turn apples until slightly wilted, then drain in a colander set over a bowl, reserving liquid.

　　

Step 3

Preheat oven to 425°F.

　　

Step 4

Roll out pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a 121/2-inch square and cut out 4 (6-inch) rounds. Transfer rounds to a lightly buttered baking sheet and top with overlapping apple slices. Bake in middle of oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

　　

Step 5

Boil reserved liquid in saucepan until reduced to about 1/3 cup, then brush on baked tarts.