Spiced Sugarplum and Caramelized Apple Tartlets with Calvados Cream

Preparation

1. For sugarplums:

   Step 1

   Stir first 4 ingredients in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Cover and simmer until prunes are very soft, about 15 minutes. Uncover and simmer over low heat until mixture is reduced to 3/4 cup, about 4 minutes. Add Calvados and spices; mash prunes in pan into thick jam-like spread. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Cover with plastic and refrigerate.)

2. For apples:

   Step 2

   Melt butter in heavy medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and cook until sugar melts and turns deep amber, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add apples and cook until just tender and browned, shifting and turning apples occasionally, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool in skillet.

   Step 3

   Roll pastry out on lightly floured surface to thin 13x13-inch square. Using 4-inch-round cookie cutter, cut out 8 rounds. Transfer rounds to parchment-lined heavy large baking sheet. Using fork, pierce pastry rounds all over, leaving 1/3-inch border around edge.Chill pastry until firm, about 15 minutes.

   Step 4

   Spread 1 slightly rounded tablespoon of sugarplum mixture evenly over center of each round, leaving 1/3-inch border. Slice each apple quarter into 5 thin wedges. Fan out 10 apple slices atop sugarplum mixture on each round, forming rosette. Reserve any juices in small bowl. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover tartlets and any juices separately and refrigerate.)

3. For calvados cream:

   Step 5

   Whisk yolks, 2/3 cup sugar, and Calvados in medium bowl. Set bowl over pan of gently boiling water. Whisk constantly until mixture thickens and candy thermometer registers 165°F, about 5 minutes. Cool, stirring occasionally. Whip cream until soft peaks form. Fold cooled egg mixture into whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate. (Calvados cream can be prepared 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)

4. Step 6

   Position rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Drizzle each tartlet with reserved juices and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Bake until crust is deep golden brown, about 18 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with Calvados cream.