Monday, October 29, 2012

Appies with a Twist - Pesto Cheddar Straws

Have you ever had a last minute event to go to and have no idea what to bring? Have no time to put together a snack when friends show up for a visit? Need a little something to go with a bowl of soup of a salad for dinner?  Well we totally have the solution for you.

These beautiful and delicate puff pastry straws are super easy to put together, but look like you slaved over them for hours.  I keep puff pastry in the freezer all the time, its cheap and super easy to work with and so versatile.

These little sticks store well in an air tight container, and will last a couple days.

Makes approximately 18 twists.

Ingredients:
1 piece of frozen puff pastry, thawed (1/2 box)
1/4 cup pesto
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 egg, whisked for egg wash
Salt and Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. On a floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry to approximately 10" x 18"
3. Spread half the pesto onto the pastry, leaving .5" on each edge.
4. Fold the pastry in half, (10" x 9")
5. Roll the pastry again to 10" x 18", lightly salt and pepper the pastry, then place grated cheese on half the pastry. Fold the pastry over the cheese.
6. Repeat steps 2, 3, 4.
7. Roll the pastry out one final time, to 10" x 18".
8. Brush the pastry lightly with the egg.
8. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut strips about .5" wide.
9. Twist the strips 2 or three times and place on cookie sheet.
10. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes, till the pastry is golden brown, and puffed.

Try this technique with other fillings, like cinnamon and sugar, ham and cheese, or jam.

No comments:

Post a Comment