Hemetschwenger – Apple Turnovers (Mennonite)

The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every fall, as the leaves turned vibrant shades of red and gold, she would be busy at her well-worn wooden table, rolling out dough and filling it with the bounty of the season. These apple turnovers, or Hemetschwenger as she called them with a twinkle in her eye, were a staple in our Mennonite household, a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. The joy on everyone’s faces as they bit into the flaky pastry and warm, spiced apples is a memory I cherish and strive to recreate with every batch I bake.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chill time)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 18
• Yield: 18 turnovers
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made dairy-free with substitutions)

Ingredients

• 1 cup whipping cream (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup butter, softened (or dairy-free margarine/shortening)
• 2 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose
• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2-3 teaspoons cinnamon, ground (or to taste)
• Cinnamon sugar for coating

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Floured surface
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Cookie sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the whipping cream and softened butter. Mix them together until they are well blended. You can use a mixer or do this by hand.
3. Add the flour to the cream and butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be pliable but not overly sticky. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, one teaspoon or a small pinch at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a flat oval. Wrap each oval tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This chilling period is crucial for developing the dough’s texture and preventing it from becoming too soft to work with.
5. After chilling, lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. This will prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.
6. Remove one dough oval from the refrigerator. Roll it out into a 12×12 inch square. Use a light dusting of flour as needed to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface or the rolling pin. Aim for a consistent thickness across the entire square.
7. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the square into 9 equal squares. Each square should be approximately 4×4 inches.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 with the remaining dough oval, creating a total of 18 squares.
9. Place each square on an ungreased cookie sheet.
10. Prepare the apple filling. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
11. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill, as the filling may spill out during baking.
12. To form the turnovers, pick up all four corners of each square and bring them together in the center. Gently twist the dough at the center to form a knot, securing the filling inside.
13. Optional Freezing: At this point, you can freeze the unbaked turnovers. Place the cookie sheet with the turnovers into the freezer until they are solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for longer storage.
14. Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the bottom and the filling is bubbly and the apples are tender. If baking from a frozen state, the baking time may need to be adjusted; check for doneness after 30 minutes and continue baking if necessary.
15. Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven promptly. While the turnovers are still warm, gently roll them in cinnamon sugar to coat them evenly.
16. Serve the Hemetschwenger warm or allow them to cool slightly. They are best enjoyed warm, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the apple filling is at its most flavorful. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience even further!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the dough. Brown the butter until it has a nutty aroma, let it cool slightly, and then use it as directed in the recipe.
• If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the cookie sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
• To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, place the cookie sheet on the lowest rack in the oven.
• If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, you can use other firm, tart apples such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
• For a more intense cinnamon flavor, use a combination of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the apple filling.
• If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to handle while you’re working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Hemetschwenger warm as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

To store leftover turnovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be aware that the pastry may become slightly softer.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	233 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	59%
Total Fat	15.3 g	23%
Saturated Fat	9.6 g	47%
Cholesterol	45.2 mg	15%
Sodium	95.5 mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	22.5 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	8 g	–
Protein	2.2 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the whipping cream with a plant-based cream alternative like coconut cream or soy cream. Use a dairy-free margarine or shortening in place of the butter.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to improve the dough’s texture.
• Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruit fillings, such as peaches, berries, or cherries. Adjust the sugar and spices to complement the flavor of the fruit.
• Spiced Dough: Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or ginger to the dough for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Savory Turnovers: For a savory twist, fill the turnovers with a mixture of cheese, ham, and vegetables.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Q: Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
A: Yes, you can use a food processor, but be careful not to overmix the dough. Pulse the ingredients until they just come together.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
A: Avoid overfilling the turnovers and make sure to securely twist the dough at the center to seal the filling inside.

Q: My turnovers are browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Tent the cookie sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the tops from browning too much.

Q: How do I know when the turnovers are done?
A: The turnovers are done when the pastry is lightly browned on the bottom and the filling is bubbly and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. These Hemetschwenger are a delightful reminder that the simplest ingredients, when combined with care and love, can create something truly extraordinary. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and spices to make them your own. And most importantly, share them with the people you love and savor every delicious bite. Let me know what you think – I would love to hear about your experience!