Apple Crumb Crostata
Consider this a sweet blending of culinary tastes and traditions. As in many Italian desserts, the fruit is minimally sweetened, and seasoned simply with fresh citrus zests. Apples are sautéed until golden, then tumbled onto a round of rich pastry dough to create a crostata. The whole thing is finished with a crumb topping with subtle hints of two classic Thanksgiving pie spices, cinnamon and allspice, and served with another all-American favorite, vanilla ice cream.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 10
Ingredients
For the Crust
For the Filling
For the Topping
Preparation
Step 1
Make the crust: With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat flour, sugar, salt, and butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolks, and beat slightly. Drizzle ice water over mixture, and beat until just combined. Form dough into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, 1 hour or up to 3 days.
Step 2
Make the filling: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add apples, zests, and salt, stirring until coated. Sprinkle sugar over mixture, and cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, liquid has thickened, and apples are almost golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, and let cool to room temperature.
Step 3
Make the topping: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugars, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and butter just until mixture resembles coarse meal. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4
Preheat oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured piece of parchment, roll out dough to a 14-inch round, 1/4 inch thick. Place dough and parchment on a rimmed baking sheet. Pile cooled apple mixture in center, leaving a 3-inch border. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over apples. Fold edges of dough over apples, overlapping and leaving an opening in the center.
Step 5
Refrigerate or freeze until dough is firm, about 30 minutes. Lightly brush dough with beaten egg, and sprinkle dough with fine sanding sugar. Bake until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, with vanilla ice cream.
