Please come to a wonderful event this Sunday, January 18, 2009 for “You Take the Cake.” This party is a celebration of the life of pastry chef Marla Scissors and a fundraiser for research on ALS. Plus, the party is a dessert extravaganza. Lots of delectable desserts made by celebrated local chefs will be available for auction. Several of the desserts will be made by some of the Kitchen Conservatory chef-instructors.

You Take the Cake will be held at Temple Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road from 3 to 5 pm. Admission is $10. Bring the whole family!

Here is a favorite Marla-style dessert:

Apple Turnovers

For the filling:

• 4 small apples, peeled and grated
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons rum
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 1 sheet (1 pound) puff pastry
• egg wash (1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

Heat the apples in a fry pan and cover until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the cover and dry the apples, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, rum, butter, and jam and cook until combined, about 5 minutes on medium heat. Let cool completely.

To assemble:

Roll out the puff pastry to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place a spoonful of the apple filling on the dough. Brush the edge with an egg wash. Fold over and seal and crimp the edge with the tines of a fork. Brush the top with an egg wash. Bake at 425 until browned and crispy, about 15 minutes.