Apple Pinwheels

(And yes, apples qualify as a pantry staple for this column! You may not store them in your pantry, but for our purposes, they fit right in.)

YIELDS 36 PINWHEELS

• 4 apples (I used Cortland, but any variety works), peeled and diced
• 3 Tbsp margarine
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 5 Tbsp water, divided
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• baking chocolate squares, cut in half
• 1 pkg 3-inch (7½-cm) puff pastry squares, defrosted but still cold (I used Gefen)
• 1 egg, beaten
• confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

In a medium pan, melt margarine with cinnamon. Add apples, sugar, and 3 Tbsp water.

Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are slightly softened.

Dissolve cornstarch in remaining 2 Tbsp water and add to the pan. Keep stirring until filling has thickened, but apples are not yet mushy. Remove from heat and allow to cool.