Mini Mason Jar Apple Pie Kugel

I just noticed that you can see my reflection in the spoons in each of these photos. So that’s the first thing I have to say. The second thing I have to say is, LOOK at these mini apple pie kugels! For the uninitiated, kugel is a classic Ashkenazi baked noodle casserole that’s equally at home on a Shabbat table, at a holiday meal, or hanging out in the fridge waiting to become tomorrow’s breakfast. (Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.)

This version starts with a traditional sweet noodle kugel; I spoon portions into little Mason jars and top each one with a tiny pie crust. The result is somewhere between apple pie and noodle kugel, which is exactly as delightful as it sounds. I’m still tinkering with my own ideal sweet noodle kugel (I’ll post it on the site when I’m done tinkering!), but this presentation works beautifully with just about any noodle kugel you already know and love, though the addition of apples and warm fall spices would be really great. The magic is really in the assembly. It’s just fun! I may start putting tiny pie crust hats on everything.