Celebrate National Apple Turnover Day 2023 Bringing Blissful Bites!

National Apple Turnover Day is an annual celebration that is every year held on July 5 in the United States. This delightful food holiday pays homage to the beloved pastry known as the apple turnover, which is adored by dessert enthusiasts. It is a day dedicated to indulging in the flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and warm spices that make this treat so irresistible.

The origins of National Apple Turnover Day remain uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 1800s. The first documented recipe for an apple turnover appeared in 1808 in Lydia Maria Child's cookbook titled "The American Frugal Housewife." This recipe featured a combination of apples, sugar, spices, and flour. It instructed readers to roll out the dough, fill it with the apple mixture, fold it over, and crimp the edges before baking it to a golden brown.

Apple turnovers quickly gained popularity across the United States, becoming a flavoured dessert at picnics and social gatherings. As time went on, they found their way into bakeries and grocery stores during the early 1900s, making them even more accessible to the public. Today, apple turnovers continue to be cherished treats enjoyed by people of all ages.

In this article, we will delve into the rich history of apple turnover, providing delicious recipes for this delectable pastry, and explore the significance of this mouthwatering turnover!!

National Apple Turnover Day 2023: Origin and History of Apple Turnovers

The apple turnover has a long and fascinating history that can be traced back to medieval times. The idea of folding the dough over a filling originated in Europe, and this concept quickly gained popularity as a convenient and portable pastry option.

One of the earliest documented recipes for apple turnovers can be found in a 14th-century English cookbook called "The Forme of Cury." As time passed, the apple turnover gained worldwide recognition and became a beloved pastry found in bakeries and homes across various cultures.

Ingredients for Making Apple Turnovers

To prepare scrumptious apple turnovers, you'll require a handful of basic ingredients. The key ingredients consist of:

1. Pastry dough: Prepare a flaky and buttery dough by combining flour, butter, salt, and cold water.

2. Apples: Opt for firm and tart varieties such as Granny Smith or Braeburn.

3. Sugar: Introduce sweetness to the apple filling.

4. Spices: Enhance the apple's flavour with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of cloves.

5. Lemon juice: Bring a subtle tanginess to the turnovers while balancing the sweetness.

6. Butter: Incorporate richness and enhance the filling's texture.

Classic Apple Turnover Recipe

Here is a classic apple turnover recipe that will pacify your taste buds:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup ice water

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Method:

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious apple turnovers:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture until the apples are evenly coated.

5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle that is approximately 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles of your desired size.

6. Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one-half of each piece of dough. Fold the other half over the filling to create a turnover shape.

7. Use a fork to press the edges of the turnover together and seal them. Brush the turnovers with melted butter and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

9. Once baked, remove the turnovers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, dust them with powdered sugar.

Following these steps will result in delectable apple turnovers that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

Variations and Creative Recipes

CHere are some alternative ways to describe the creative twists you can explore with apple turnovers:

1. Caramel Apple Turnovers: Take your apple turnovers to the next level by adding a generous drizzle of caramel sauce to the apple filling before sealing them, creating a truly indulgent treat.

2. Apple-Pear Turnovers: Combine the sweetness of diced apples with the delicate flavour of pears to create a unique and delicious flavour combination in your turnovers.

3. Apple Walnut Turnovers: Elevate your turnovers by incorporating chopped walnuts into the filling. The addition of these crunchy nuts will provide a delightful texture contrast to the soft apple filling.

4. Apple Cheddar Turnovers: Add a savoury twist to your apple turnovers by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese on top of the apple filling. The combination of tangy cheddar and sweet apples will create a mouthwatering flavour experience in each bite.

How to Celebrate National Apple Turnover Day?

Here are some relishing ways to celebrate National Apple Turnover Day on July 5th:

1. Bake Your Own: Embrace your inner chef and have fun in the kitchen by trying your hand at making homemade apple turnovers using one of the delightful recipes mentioned earlier.

2. Visit a Local Bakery: Show support for local bakeries by treating yourself to delicious apple turnovers or other pastries. Share them with your loved ones for a delightful celebration.

3. Apple Turnover Party: Organize a gathering where friends and family come together to share their unique apple turnover creations. Enjoy tasting different flavours and textures, and exchange recipes and tips.

4. Share Recipes: Spread the joy of apple turnovers by sharing your favourite recipes with friends, family, or fellow food enthusiasts. You can even showcase your culinary skills by posting pictures or videos of your Apple turnovers on social media platforms.

5. Give Back: Extend the celebration beyond your immediate circle by donating apple turnovers or other baked goods to a local charity or community organization. It's a sweet gesture that can bring smiles to others while honouring National Apple Turnover Day.