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The holidays may be over, but it’s never too soon to begin planning for the next party. Consider using puff pastry (found in the grocery store freezer section) to add a little elegance to your gathering. It’s versatile and tasty.
These two simple recipes – an appetizer and a dessert – are sure to be a hit!
Cream Cheese Puffs
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, but keep in refrigerator until ready to use)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cut into 6 pieces)
- 1 green onion, diced (optional)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
Roll out puff pastry slightly to approximately 12”x12”. Cut into 6 rectangles. Brush egg on three sides of each rectangle. Spread cream cheese and green onion in the middle of each rectangle, then fold the non-egg wash side on top of the other and crimp on all sides with a fork. Brush additional egg wash on each rectangle and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes (to desired browning). Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
(Note: if you have a large party planned, feel free to make smaller puffs by cutting the pastry into a smaller size before baking.)
Almond Palmiers
(Note: this was a winner in the Minnesota Star Tribune annual cookie contest, originally from Kay Lieberherr)
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 7-ounce tube almond paste, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed, but keep in refrigerator until ready to use)
In a mixer, beat butter on medium-high until creamy (about a minute). Add powdered sugar and almond paste for another minute, then add egg and extract until thoroughly combined.
Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of sugar on counter and unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Add another tablespoon of sugar to the top and roll to 12”x12” square. Quickly spread half of almond mixture on the puff. Roll up opposite sides of the pastry so they meet in the middle and press together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least two hours. Repeat process with other puff pastry and remaining almond mixture.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove pastry from plastic and slice into ¼ inch slices. Lay cookies two inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes. Allow to cool for a couple minutes before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar.
