Sunday, February 5, 2017

Puff Pastry Party

Superbowl Sunday LI is here! Even if you do not like football, it is probably affecting your life right now in some fashion, ie invited to a party, bringing snacks to a party, or having people over as an excuse to party, right?

 


Keep it simple (but delicious) folks with some really easy options from my Appetizers Page including: 

1. Spicy Jalapeno-Cheddar Rollups 
2. Roasted Corn & Jalapeño Dip 
3. Mini-Muffin Snackers       
4. Fried Mozzarella Dippers        
5. Mini Corn Dog Bites
6. Lemony-Artichoke Crostini
7. Bagel & Lox Spread  

That said, there is always room in the recipe box for more great grub like this brilliant recommendation from the Pioneer Woman for puff pastry--use it--easy, inexpensive, versatile, and can be used for savory or sweet consumption! 

Start experimenting and take this to the party today!

Puff Pastry Pizza
(Adapted from The Pioneer Woman Show featuring Puff Pastry)

Equipment:
Cookie Sheet 
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin
Brush or spoon

Ingredients:
1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
1 lb of shredded mozzarella cheese
1-2 eggs with 2 tsp of water, for egg wash

Spices:  oregano / thyme / basil 
Salt & Pepper
Olive oil

A. Toppings Savory

  • Canadian Bacon + Pineapple + Jalapeño
  • Pepperoni  (Regular or Turkey) + Peperoncini
  • Sautéed Mushrooms + Feta or Goat Cheese 
  • Fresh Mozzarella + Fresh or Roasted Cherry Tomatoes  + Basil + Balsamic Vinegar
  • Fresh Mozzarella + Balsamic Vinegar Syrup

B. Toppings Sweet

  • Apricot Jam + Apple Slices + Cinnamon Sugar
  • Bake strips of Puff Pastry independently with just cinnamon sugar, then use as stackers with Whipping Cream and Fresh Fruit on top or in between  



Instructions:
1. Wash your hands and preheat oven to 415F degrees.
2. Prep your counter and rolling pin with some flour.



3. Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper
4. Prep all of your ingredients first:

--prep your egg wash
--slice onions, tomatoes
--grate cheese
--dice pineapple
--chop bacon and herbs
--saute mushrooms


5. Unfold your puff pastry and divide into 1/3 strips to roll out a little more
6. Use a knife to gently score a 1/2 inch border around the edge of the pastry dough.
7. Apply a light egg wash.



8. Transfer to the parchment paper lined cookie sheet and bake for 7 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and begin layering the toppings as you see fit.



10. Bake another 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed up like crazy--relax it will deflate and be delicious!


Tips:

  • No Money:
    • don't use meat at all
    • keep it all veggie--roasted or sautéed or fresh
    • buy block of cheese and grate it yourself
  • No Waste:
    • add any veggies, especially those no longer ideal for raw snacking
    • saute the veggies for extra flavor before adding to rice
  • No Equipment:
    • Skillet--only if making sautéed veggies
    • Cookie Sheet with or without rim (can be used for roasting veggies if need)
    • Parchment Paper
    • Rolling Pin or use a can or PVC pipe
  • No Skills:
    • review some of my early blogs--How To Saute Mushrooms (can use for onions as well)
    • can you use a knife ? To cut thru soft pre-made dough? slice a few pepperoncini or tomatoes?
    • if no cooking skills--can you transfer dough from counter to cookie sheet?
  • No Health:
    • use reduced fat shredded mozzarella
    • roast any / all vegetables you might use
    • disclaimer: puff pastry is puff pastry and simply not low-cal so eat in moderation
  • No Time:
    • quick easy appetizer for any group of guests
    • virtually any ingredient is an option depending on your flavor profile