Savory Mille Feuille Basket

A savory mille-feuille basket is a delightful dish that combines layers of crispy puff pastry with a variety of savory fillings. Here's a general recipe to guide you in making a savory mille-feuille basket:

Ingredients:

• Puff pastry sheets (store-bought or homemade)
• Savory fillings of your choice (e.g., cheese, vegetables, meats, sauces)
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the puff pastry package or to 180°C (350°F) if using homemade puff pastry.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Cut the rolled-out pastry sheets into rectangular strips of equal width, about 2-3 inches wide.
4. Take one pastry strip and brush it with the egg wash. Place another strip on top and press gently to stick them together. Repeat with additional strips until you have a stack of 4-5 layers.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into smaller rectangles or squares to form the individual mille-feuille baskets.
6. Gently press the center of each pastry square with your fingers or a fork to create an indentation that will hold the filling.
7. Place the pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake the pastry baskets in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary.
9. While the pastry baskets are baking, prepare your savory fillings. You can use a variety of ingredients such as cheese, sautéed vegetables, cooked meats, or flavorful sauces. Season the fillings with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Once the pastry baskets are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
11. Carefully remove the center of each pastry basket, creating a hollow space for the fillings. You can either use your fingers or a small knife to gently lift and remove the inner layers.
12. Fill each pastry basket with your desired savory fillings, making sure to distribute them evenly.
13. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve the savory mille-feuille baskets as an appetizer or a stylish side dish.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fillings, such as goat cheese and roasted vegetables, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or chicken and pesto. The options are endless, so get creative and enjoy your savory mille-feuille baskets!