Frozen puff pastry is my go-to secret weapon for the holidays. I keep it on hand for those situations when you have last minute guests or simply run out of time to get something made. Find puff pastry in boxes in the frozen food section of the store where you'd find frozen pie crust or rolls. Keep a few boxes in your freezer for a delicious and elegant appetizer or dessert. Easy, impressive and fast; you will wonder how you lived without it.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes using puff pastry that are simply perfect when you need to pull together something fast and absolutely delicious!
PUFF PASTRY PALMIERS
These are those swirled cookies that you often see in bakeries in France or Argentina, often referred to as elephant ears.
These Puff Pastry Palmiers or "elephant ear" cookies are so simple to make. Roll out the puff pastry into sugar and cinnamon and you've got a buttery, sugary bite of heaven.
STRAWBERRY NAPOLEONS
Napoleons are absolutely one of the easiest desserts to make but they are also one of the most impressive looking desserts you can serve to guests. They'll never guess how simple they are to make! Get the recipe....
Strawberry Napoleons are so pretty, so easy, so delicious.... and with puff pastry, there are soooo many possibilities!
PUFF PASTRY PARTY SQUARES
I made this recipe for Food Network Star when I needed something using pastrami that would travel well and taste good served room temperature. This is best served warm and not hot straight from the oven. You can use just about anything you want inside the pastry. I used ham and cheese since it is an eternal favorite but you can use beef, pork or even vegetables. Get the recipe...