Classic apple tarte tatin

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if using frozen
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic tarte tatin:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and quarter the apples. You can leave them whole if you prefer, but quartering helps them cook evenly.
3. In a 9- or 10-inch oven-safe skillet or tarte Tatin dish, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the melted butter and let it cook until it starts to dissolve and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
4. Carefully arrange the apple quarters or whole apples, rounded side down, in the skillet on top of the caramel. Pack them tightly together, as they will shrink while cooking.
5. Continue cooking the apples and caramel on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel thickens and turns a deep golden brown color. You can gently shake the skillet occasionally to ensure the apples are coated in the caramel.
6. While the apples are cooking, roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface until it is slightly larger than the skillet or dish you are using.
7. Once the caramel has reached the desired color, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully place the rolled-out puff pastry over the apples, tucking in the edges around the apples.
8. Use a fork to prick a few holes in the puff pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
9. Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Place a serving plate or platter upside down over the skillet and quickly and carefully invert the skillet to release the tarte tatin onto the plate. Be cautious as the caramel may still be hot.

Enjoy this good old-fashioned and classic tarte tatin with its delicious caramelized apples and buttery puff pastry crust! Serve warm or at room temperature. Cut into wedges and serve with scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped or pouring cream, or hot custard.