450 degree oven

1 large apple (about softball size)
1-2 T. Ann’s Pie Spice (see notes below)
1/2 of a 9″ refrigerated pie crust
Peel, core, and cut apple into about 1/2” cubes.  Cook cut apples in microwave on high for 45-90 seconds or just until they begin to soften (all microwaves are different). Sprinkle Ann’s Pie Spice over apple, toss and set aside.  Allow pie crust to come to room temperature, unroll and cut into 2 pieces.  Wrap the one half and save for future use.  Cut the remaining half into 2 wedges.  Spray the inside of two 4-5” tart pans with nonstick cooking spray.  Place one jumbo muffin liner (parchment or foil) inside tart pan.  Place each piece of dough on the muffin liner and press dough firmly into the sides of the pans.  Spoon apple filling evenly in the center of each tart pan and fold the excess dough over the top of the apples.  If desired, spray top of each tart with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with about a ¼ tsp. sugar.  Bake on bottom rack at 450 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown.  Yield: 2 tarts

NOTES: I prefer Cortland apples to bake with. One large apple will yield about 1 ½ C. dices apples. Since I like to eat a bit while I’m slicing, I usually start with 1 large and 1 small or 2 medium, etc.  The oven temperature is very high to insure the bottom crust will be golden. If you choose to line the bottom oven rack with a piece of foil to prevent spillage, note that the bottom of the crust may not bake to perfection.  Muffin liners are not required, but I have found that it makes it easier to remove the tart from the pan if the apple leaks.  I always have my pie spice made ahead in a jar.  This recipe can be found in the ‘Miscellaneous’ chapter of my cookbook.  Or use this mixture: 2 T. dark brown sugar, 1 tsp. cornstarch, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. salt.  Variation: Apple Crisp Tarts: After filling the tarts with apple mixture, cut off any excess dough around the edge of the pan and sprinkle the tops of each tart with 2-3 T. of Ann’s Sweet Crumb Topping and bake as directed.