Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Begin by cutting the firm apples in half, then core and peel them to reveal their smooth surfaces. Use a small paring knife to carefully carve fun, spooky faces into each apple half, bringing your Shrunken Head vision to life.
- In a large bowl, mix the citric acid or lemon juice with 2 cups of water to create a citric solution. Soak the carved apple heads in this mixture for about 10-15 minutes to prevent browning. After soaking, gently pat each apple half dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the carved apples cut-side up on the sheet. Bake the apples for approximately 3 hours until they become shriveled and slightly chewy.
- While the apple heads cool, increase your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch tart pan with the pie crust, ensuring it's evenly distributed along the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubble formation during baking.
- Once the tart shell is baked and cooled slightly, arrange your spooky shrunken apple heads inside the tart shell. Fill the gaps around the apples with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of honey.
- Carefully place the filled tart back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-17 minutes. The tart should be bubbly and fragrant when done. Allow it to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensure apples are firm to retain shape during baking. Consider making ahead for ease on the day of serving.