Fruit plait

• ready-made 320g puff pastry1

  sheet

• plain flour↗1 tbsp tbsp
• vegetable oil↗1 tsp tsp

  for greasing

• sultanas↗2 tbsp tbsp
• eating apples2
• pears↗2
• clear honey↗2 tbsp tbsp
• apricot jam↗3 tbsp tbsp
• mixed spicepinch of
• cinnamon↗pinch of
• egg↗1
• crème fraîche↗

  or vanilla ice cream, to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured work surface into a large rectangle. Transfer to a lightly greased baking tray.

2. 2

   Put the sultanas in a small mixing bowl with just enough warm water to cover them, and soak for 10 mins.

3. 3

   Core the apples and pears and slice them into even-sized pieces – you don’t need to peel them. Put the pieces in a bowl and add the honey and 2 tbsp apricot jam. Drain the soaked sultanas and add them to the mixture. Stir well and add the mixed spice and cinnamon to taste.

4. 4

   Spoon the mixture in a thick strip down the centre of the puff pastry. Use a sharp knife to make roughly 8 diagonal cuts down each side of the pastry like a lattice. Fold the pastry strips alternately across the filling like a plait.

5. 5

   Crack the egg into a bowl, whisk with a fork and, using a pastry brush, glaze the top of the puff pastry.

6. 6

   Place the plait in the oven and bake for 25-30 mins or until the apples are soft and the pastry is golden brown. Serve with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.