Name: Apple Tarts with Vanilla Ice Cream
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 12
Ingredients: 6 Gala apples (preferably red; 2 3/4 pounds); 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 1 (17 1/4-oz) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed; All-purpose flour for dusting; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream; parchment paper

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Apple Tarts with Vanilla Ice CreamMatthew Hranek

Easily made with puff pastry, these light, thin apple tarts provide just the right amount of dessert. The skins get added to the syrupy glaze, enhancing the tarts with a bit of sweetness and the faintest blush of pink.

Cooks' notes:

•Tarts can be assembled (but not sprinkled with sugar or baked) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Sprinkle apples with sugar just before baking.

•Tarts can be baked 4 hours ahead and kept, uncovered, at room temperature.

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