These individual desserts have a spiced fruit filling that's a modern version of mincemeat.
Recipe information
Total Time
3 hours 40 minutes (including baking and cooling time)
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Filling:
Phyllo:
Preparation
For filling:
Step 1
Combine apples and next 11 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until apples are tender, stirring frequently, 30 to 35 minutes. Add brandy and simmer until brandy is absorbed and apples are very tender, about 7 minutes longer. Cool apple mixture completely. DO AHEAD: Filling can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.
For phyllo:
Step 2
Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. Place phyllo stack on work surface; cover with plastic wrap, then damp kitchen towel. Remove 1 phyllo sheet from stack and place on work surface; brush lightly with some of melted butter. Top with second phyllo sheet; brush lightly with melted butter. Fold phyllo in half, forming 9x7-inch rectangle. Brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons brown sugar; using fingers, distribute sugar evenly over phyllo. Fold phyllo in half again, forming 7 x 4 1/2-inch rectangle. Brush with butter and transfer phyllo rectangle to 1 prepared baking sheet. Using fingers, gently push in corners of phyllo pastry and fold up sides of crust, creating rustic irregular pastry shell with 2 3/4- to 3-inch plain center and 1/2-inch-high sides. Brush pastry shell lightly with melted butter. Repeat procedure with remaining phyllo sheets, melted butter, and brown sugar, placing 4 phyllo pastry shells on each prepared baking sheet, spacing apart. DO AHEAD: Phyllo pastry shells can be made 1 day ahead. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Step 3
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Divide apple filling among phyllo pastry shells (about 1/3 to scant 1/2 cup for each). Brush filling lightly with melted butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon brown sugar over apple filling on each. Bake until phyllo is golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes. Cool tartlets on baking sheets on racks until just warm, about 20 minutes. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
