July 5th is a perfect day to savor a delightful and sweet individual treat—it's National Apple Turnover Day! Indulge in the deliciousness of apple turnovers, celebrating this scrumptious pastry filled with spiced apples. Let's enjoy the flaky goodness and delightful flavors of apple turnovers on #AppleTurnoverDay!

What is an Apple Turnover?

An apple turnover is a type of pastry made by placing a filling of spiced apples on a piece of dough, folding it over, sealing the edges, and baking until golden brown. The result is a flaky, buttery pastry with a warm, sweet apple filling. Apple turnovers can be made with puff pastry or pie dough and are often glazed or dusted with powdered sugar.

Traditional Ingredients

1. Apples: Typically, tart apples like Granny Smith are used for their flavor and texture.
2. Spices: Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves.
3. Sugar: Granulated sugar, brown sugar, or a combination is used to sweeten the filling.
4. Dough: Puff pastry or pie dough is used to create the flaky crust.
5. Butter: Adds richness to the dough and filling.
6. Egg Wash: A mixture of beaten egg and water or milk is brushed on the pastry for a golden finish.

Celebrations and Activities

National Apple Turnover Day is celebrated with various activities that highlight the enjoyment and versatility of apple turnovers:

1. Baking at Home: Trying out new apple turnover recipes or perfecting traditional ones at home.
2. Recipe Sharing: Sharing favorite apple turnover recipes on social media, blogs, and community boards using hashtags like #AppleTurnoverDay and #NationalAppleTurnoverDay.
3. Baking Competitions: Participating in or hosting baking competitions focused on apple turnovers.
4. Cooking Classes: Attending or hosting cooking classes and demonstrations to learn how to make apple turnovers.
5. Enjoying with Family and Friends: Sharing freshly baked apple turnovers with family and friends during gatherings or picnics.

How to Celebrate

1. Bake Apple Turnovers: Make apple turnovers at home using your favorite recipe or try a new one.
2. Visit a Bakery: Support local bakeries by purchasing their apple turnovers and enjoying their professional creations.
3. Share on Social Media: Post pictures and recipes of your apple turnovers on social media to inspire others.
4. Host a Baking Party: Invite friends and family over for a baking party where everyone can make and enjoy apple turnovers together.
5. Try Variations: Experiment with different fillings or doughs to create unique apple turnover variations.

Classic Apple Turnover Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to make classic apple turnovers at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2-3 apples)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases. Cut each sheet into four equal squares.
4. Assemble the Turnovers: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the pastry is puffed.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the turnovers to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Significance of National Apple Turnover Day

National Apple Turnover Day is significant because it celebrates a classic pastry that brings joy to many people. By highlighting the apple turnover, the observance encourages culinary creativity and the enjoyment of baking.

The day also fosters a sense of community and shared enjoyment, as people come together to bake, share recipes, and indulge in delicious apple turnovers. Through baking and sharing this beloved pastry, National Apple Turnover Day honors the tradition of homemade desserts and the simple pleasures of enjoying freshly baked treats.