Who says making a fresh apple dessert takes hours? You can assemble this delicious free-form apple tart in minutes and pop it into the oven while you’re having dinner. Apple pie (or tart) with ice cream is a classic dessert, but you might want to try it with a drizizle of prepared caramel sauce instead. You’ll find apple dessert recipes like this in Favorite Flavors of Ireland; signed copies available (with free shipping) from www.irishcook.com

APPLE-CRUMB GALETTE

SERVES 6

1 refrigerated pie crust

For the filling

4 to 5 apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and cut into 16 slices each

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crumble

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 ounces unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 tablespoons chopped pecans

1 large egg, beaten

Steps

Prepared caramel sauce, for topping (optional).

1. Prepare crust. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Unroll crust and place in center of pan.

2. Make filling. In a large bowl, toss together apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, zest and vanilla; set aside.

3. Make crumble. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugars and cinnamon. Drizzle in melted butter and stir with a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in pecans.

4. Arrange filling evenly in center of dough, leaving a 4-inch border all around; reserve juices. Brush border with some of the beaten egg and fold edge in over fruit, making pleats every 2 inches. Pour remaining juices over exposed fruit. Brush folded outer edge with remaining beaten egg; cover exposed fruit with crumble.

5. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Remove from oven; let cool before cutting into slices. Serve with caramel sauce, if desired.