2 tsp. butter
4 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced (slices halved)
1/4 cup maple sugar or syrup
1 medium egg
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup ground almonds
1 tsp. almond essence
2 tbsp. all purpose flour
1 sheet short crust pastry, cut into 4 rounds, 5" diameter
1.
In a skillet melt the butter and caramelize the apple slices with the maple sugar.
2.
Arrange the slices in the shape of fans a 4 small round dishes or aluminum plates about 5" in diameter; set aside.
3.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In an electric mixer, beat the egg and maple sugar until pale. Add the butter, ground almonds, almond essence and flour; blend well.
4.
Spoon the mixture over the apples and cover each plate with a round of pastry. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for a few minutes and invert the pies onto serving plates; serve hot or cold with Maple Custard.
