Crispy Apple Turnovers

Take this dessert to gourmet heights by scooping french vanilla ice cream into a martini glass and topping it with a piece or two of these spice-scented apple turnovers.

Serves 8 to 10  Prep Time 30 minutes  Cooking Time 30 minutes

For the filling
1 3/4  cups chopped (into 1/2-inch cubes) Fuji or red apples
             (from about 2 medium apples)
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8  teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup butter
pinch of salt

square spring roll wrappers (lumpia wrappers)
cooking oil for frying

1  Combine apples and water in a small saucepan. Cook on high heat until mixture comes to a boil. Stir frequently. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; simmer for another 5 minutes while stirring frequently. Mix together flour and sugar. Stir into apple mixture. Let boil for 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup butter. Season with salt. Set aside to cool.

2  Once apple mixture has cooled down, put 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each lumpia wrapper and fold to form triangles.

3  Chill turnovers for 10 minutes before frying.

4  In a preheated pan with oil, deep-fry the turnovers on medium heat until golden brown. Drain and let cool before serving.

To freeze:  Stop after Step 2. Store the apple turnovers in an airtight container and freeze. Before cooking, transfer the turnovers to the chiller of the refrigerator to thaw while still maintaining a cool temperature. This makes the lumpia wrapper crispier once fried.

Photography by At Maculangan | Food Preparation by Mira Angeles of Cow King Steak Sizzles and Gourmet Dips and Dressings | Styling by Rachelle Santos | Props from Gourdo’s (orange oval baking dish, stainless stock pot, stainless