Mushroom Puffs

Flaky puff pastry envelopes a rich mix of cream cheese, mushrooms, onions, and Parmesan cheese. You can even assemble and freeze these ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened*
• 1 (8-oz.) can mushroom pieces and stems, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Parchment paper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Beat cream cheese at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until smooth. Stir in mushrooms and next 4 ingredients. Cover and chill 1 to 24 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 400°. Whisk together egg and 1 Tbsp. water in a small bowl. Roll 1 puff pastry sheet into a 16- x 10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut pastry in half lengthwise. Spread 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture down center of each rectangle; brush edges with egg mixture. Fold each pastry half lengthwise over filling, and pinch edges to seal. Cut pastries into 10 pieces each, and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat procedure with remaining puff pastry sheet, egg mixture, and cream cheese mixture.

3. Brush remaining egg mixture over tops of pastry pieces; sprinkle with pepper.

4. Bake at 400° for 20 to 25 minutes or until browned. Serve immediately.

*2 (5.2-oz.) packages buttery garlic-and-herb spreadable cheese may be substituted.

Note: To make ahead, prepare recipe as directed through Step 3. Freeze pieces on baking sheet until firm (about 1 hour), and transfer to zip-top plastic freezer bags. Freeze up to 1 month. To bake, place frozen puffs on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, and proceed as directed in Step 4.

Source: Ashley McMakin, Birmingham, Alabama, Ashley Mac's, Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Living
NOVEMBER 2011