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.

Get the recipe...

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....

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...

Who doesn't love those crispy little "elephant ear" cookies you find at the bakery? I am in love with them. But you don't have to go to the bakery anymore. These are so easy and even more delicious when you make them with puff pastry.

Store bought puff pastry, found in the freezer section of the store, will become your best friend once you discover its many uses! No need to go to the bakery for Palmiers, now you can make them at home!

PUFF PASTRY PALMIERS

INGREDIENTS

1 egg

1 T water

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/8 cup raw sugar

1 t. ground cinnamon

1 box puff pastry, thawed according to package directions but not thawed completely or it will be too difficult to handle

All-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Mix the two sugars together in a small bowl.

Make an egg wash by beating the egg with the water. Set aside.

Lightly dust the work surface and a rolling pin with flour. Sprinkle the work surface with 2 tablespoons of the sugar mixture.

Open the first sheet of pastry and unfold it on top of the flour and sugar.

Add the cinnamon to the sugar. Sprinkle about half on top of the puff pastry. Use the rolling pin to lightly roll to press the sugar into the pastry.

Working with the short side of the pastry, fold the top towards the center. Repeat with the bottom of the pastry but leave a 1/4 inch of space in the center.

Sprinkle with more of the sugar and gently roll it into the pastry. Fold the top over the bottom. You will have a 4-layer narrow rectangle. Brush all of the seams with the egg wash.

Using a sharp knife, slice into 3/4" strips. Brush the edges with the egg wash. Place the strips 2" apart, cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining sugar.

Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack.