Creamy Apple Wreath

This next recipe was introduced to me by my daughter-in-law, Liz, when she surprised me with it during a party I was hosting on her behalf. I was totally amazed when she left the party for what seemed like just a few minutes, and the next thing I knew, Liz was walking across the patio with this wonderful dessert in her hands. For me, it was love at first "bite". And the guests talked about how good it tasted all evening.

I never eat this dessert without thinking about Liz...and about that party. After raising all boys, having Liz around is a real treat for me. She's a sweetheart, and her personality attracts people like magnet. You know...the type of person who never meets a stranger. In fact, she's a lot like this dessert...very sweet, always a pleasure to be around, and you just can’t help but love her. Yep…that’s my girl!

Creamy Apple Wreath

In honor of my beautiful daughter-in-law, Liz Austin

2 large Pillsbury “Grands” Crescent Rolls (12 total)
2 large Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 (8oz) “Philly” Cream Cheese, softened
¼ cup Brown Sugar
2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
2 tbsp Walnuts or Pecans, chopped
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp Granulated Sugar, separated
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, separated
¼ cup “Caramel” Ice Cream Topping (to taste)

Step 1: On a large “Pampered Chef Baking Stone”, or large pizza pan, gently separate and open each crescent roll, and arrange them in the shape of a Christmas wreath; with the flat end of the rolls facing the center of the stone, and the pointed/narrow end of the rolls falling over the outside edge of the stone/pan about 3". (The result will resemble a child’s drawing of the sun.)

In the center of the stone/pan, there should be a 4” opening where the stone is visible. There should be a 5” deep ring of solid dough, just inside the outside edge of the stone/pan. This 5” ring of dough will be the base for the apples. Wet your fingers with Milk and press gently on the left and right side of each roll, where it overlaps the next roll, to seal the dough and prevent hot juice from bubbling over onto the bottom of your oven.

Step 2: In small bowl cream together the cream cheese and the brown sugar. Once the cheese and sugar is well blended, add only 1 tbsp of the chopped nuts, the granulated sugar and cinnamon, and mix well. Set aside.

Step 3- In a medium size bowl, mix the apple slices with 2 tbsp flour, and mix well. Set aside.

Step 4: With a spatula, cover the 5” deep ring of solid dough with an even layer of cream cheese mixture. Cover the cheese with a layer of apple slices. Once the apples are in place, pull the pointed/narrow end of each roll toward the center of the ring, and press the tip of the dough under the inside edge of the ring with your fingers. When all ends have been sealed in the center of the ring, gently rub the top of the dough with your hands, moistened with a small amount of Milk. Then sprinkle the top with the last of the sugar and cinnamon mixture, and remaining chopped nuts.

Bake in a 350° oven for 25-30 minutes, until top is golden brown, and apples are done when tested with a wooden toothpick. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle lots of caramel topping over your Creamy Apple Wreath and enjoy!

For that special holiday party, stack red, green and gold Christmas bulbs inside the center of the wreath, until it resembles a small Christmas tree. Add a few sprigs of holly or other greenery, and you've got a very classy addition for any potluck.

12 servings