Medieval Apple Tart (Silver Palate)

miss_treated1's Note:

I adopted this from the Silver Palate Cookbook and added it to our Thanksgiving Menu. It's a flaky version of a French croustade made with thinly sliced apples and Grand Marnier and served warm with Creme Fraiche.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 4.0 portions

• 12 phyllo pastry sheets (fresh or thoroughly defrosted)
• 2 cups unsalted butter , about 4 sticks, plus extra for greasing pan
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons Grand Marnier
• 6 medium tart apples , peeled, cored and thinly sliced
• creme fraiche

Directions:

1. Unwrap the phyllo sheets and cover them with a damp towel for 10 minutes. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Preheat the oer to 425°F.
3. Using a pastry brush, lightly butter a 14-inche baking pan. Lay a phyllo sheet on the pan. Remember to re-cover the unused phyllo with a damp towel each time. Brush the phyllo with some of the melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the sugar and 1 teaspoon of the Grand Marnier. Repeat using 5 more phyllo leaves.
4. Arrange the apples in the center of the top sheet of phyllo in a circular mount about 6 inches in diameter. Brush them with butter and sprinkle with some sugar and Grand Marnier.
5. Stack 6 more phyllo sheets on top of the apples, repeating and buttering and sprinkling with sugar and Grand Marnier. The top (twelfth) sheet of phyllo should only be buttered.
6. Trim off the corners of the phyllo sheets so you have a large round about 8 inches in diameter. Turn up the edges of the phyllo and pinch lightly to seal. Be tidy but don't work too long on this; the tart should look rustic.
7. Set the pan on the center of the oven and bake until golden, 30-40 minutes. If the pastry becomes too brown before this time, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Serve the tart immediately or reheat gently before serving.
9. Serve with a dollop of Creme Fraiche.