Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Have you ever seen an apple turnover?

If you were lucky enough to go to Scott Avenue Elementary School in Whittier, California, then you might have had Mr. Lentine for fourth grade. I did.
Mr. Lentine was the kind of teacher that brought out his guitar when math got boring. What fourth grader wouldn't rather sing "Froggie Went a Courtin" over reducing fractions? He was the kind who'd read Shel Silverstein poems after lunch with theatrical voices. He was the kind of teacher that helped my little brother Roy when he came to school crying because his hair was sticking up in the back. Mr. Lentine used his own back pocket comb to smooth down Roy's alfalfa hair. He was the kind of teacher who taught you how to square dance, draw aspen trees, shade geometric figures, and basically how to thrive. He'd probabably get in big trouble now for not pounding READING WRITING ARITHMETIC all day long. But I just adored him, and school too while I was under his tutiledge. One afternoon, while he strummed guitar as background music, our class thought up phrases with double meanings, like "Have you ever seen a horse fly?" or "Have you ever seen a star burst?" "Have you ever seen a donut box?" "Have you ever seen a high school dance?"
And I still remember the one that I thought of: "Have you ever seen an apple turnover?" I was so pleased with myself that day.
Which brings me to this week's assignment: Flaky Apple Turnovers for Tuesdays with Dorie. I'm pleased with myself again today, but Dorie should really get all the credit. These are truly stupendously delicious. They require a bit of work and a heap of patience, but the reward is well worth it in the end. The crust is flaky and slightly tart a perfect foil for the sweet cinnamon apples. I made a half batch and then made half sized tarts, by cutting circles from a teacup top. (Click here for the recipe.)Doesn't a little apple turnover just seem so timely for a bitty September after school snack? I wish I could bring a big tray to Mr. Lentine, as a thank you for a rich and meaningful 4th grade education. Some things you never forget. Some things can never really be over because they become a part of you.
Yep, I've seen an apple turnover.


























How about a Fall Kick Off Dinner with these turnovers for dessert?
We'll be having cider and maple braised pork chops, buttermilk mashed potatoes, and spinach salad with sliced apples and swiss. Come on back all week for the recipes.

21 comments:

Jennifer said...

Sounds like these apple turnovers were quite the wonderful dessert to have with your fall inspired meal! YUM!

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Love the teacher story and its connection to your SCRUMPTIOUS turnovers!!

And hooray for a "Fall Kickoff dinner"!! Sounds like a fun idea.

Tanji said...

You write beautifully! The whole meal sounds delicious.

The JR said...

Wish we would have had a teacher like him. Our's were old fuddy duddy's.

Turnovers look good.

Ramona

Patsyk said...

What a wonderful memory of your teacher. My hope is that my boys will have some fabulous memory of at least a few of their teachers growing up.

Those turnovers look fabulous! I've been playing with making something like that for a while. May have to just do it now!

Flourchild said...

What a sweet teacher! The turnovers look very good!

chocolatechic said...

They look fabulous.

The Blonde Duck said...

It's my birthday this weekend, and these look like just the thing to celebrate with!

I loved your teacher tale. I had a teacher like that named Ms. Rapp in the first grade--she had a big jar of buttons and it was the greatest day when we got to pick one out of the jar.

Chef Jeena said...

Hi Prudy how are you?

These apple turn overs look wonderful.

Dianna said...

Your turnovers are beautiful! I'm heading to check out the recipe now.

Leslie said...

My kids would love these.
As for Mr. Lentine, I had mean old Mrs. Preston for 4th grade.
She never combed anyone's hair, smacked kids on the head, and made plenty of boy's in the class cry.
Well, Mr. Lentine will be honored in family folklore forever for performing the small task of combing Roy's hair. The Renouf Girls will always remember him kindly for helping their little brother.

Engineer Baker said...

While I never had Mr. Lentine, I definitely had a teacher like him. I think anyone who loves learning has had someone like that, and I wish everyone could be so lucky. Your apple turnovers look amazing!

Elyse said...

what an adorable post and yummy, too!

i popped over from maryjane's blog and it is as wonderful as she said it would be.

i have this old book called "yours 'til niagara falls" -- it's just filled with those fun little expressions.

xo

Fantastic Mr. R said...

Excellent writing....it makes me want to go back to the 4th grade (as long as I can bring a few apple turnovers with me).
Do you think little children can help with these or too tricky?

Katrina said...

What a great story. And for some reason, I got the biggest laugh out of yours--have you ever seen an apple turnover. Love it!
Yes, I've seen quite a few today.
Love your little mini ones.

Signs and Salvage said...

OK...I just started a 2 week Bikini Bootcamp...so these are about killing me to look at!!! BUT I will save this recipe...soon I will have a kid's cooking afternoon & we will make these...YUMMY!!!! I just discovered your BLOG...LOVE IT!!! Thank you for your inspiration!!

mona said...

Apple turnovers look deelish!

Tracey said...

what a great menu.. sounds like fall is upon us. I love apples..they have to be the most versitale fruit out there..great recipe. Can't wait to try it!

sarah leanne said...

These look so yummy, thank's for sharing! :) Also, just LOVE your Polish Pottery....:) that is the dishes I have as well, and I love them! So unique and pretty!!!

TeaLady said...

lucky you to have had THAT kind of teacher. They are rare today..

And lucky you to have your turnovers come out so beatifully. Flaky and delicious.

"Have you ever seen a Cat FIsh??" That was always my favorite.

Jules Someone said...

Those turnovers look amazing. And I'd be thrilled if my kids had a teacher that made them want to go to school. Thanks for baking with me!