Puff Pastry Baskets

Puff pastry baskets are a versatile and visually appealing way to serve various fillings or toppings. These delicate and flaky pastry baskets can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, making them a great option for appetizers, desserts, or even breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: sugar or sesame seeds (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to the puff pastry package instructions.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet slightly to smooth out any creases and to create an even thickness.
3. Cut the puff pastry sheet into squares or rectangles of your desired size for the baskets. Alternatively, you can use a round cookie cutter to create circular baskets.
4. Take each piece of cut puff pastry and gently fold in the edges toward the center, creating a shallow well or basket shape. Press the edges down lightly to secure them.
5. Place the formed puff pastry baskets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg, ensuring to coat the edges as well. This will give the baskets a shiny and golden appearance.
7. If desired, you can sprinkle some sugar or sesame seeds on top of the pastry for added flavor and texture.
8. Place the baking sheet with the puff pastry baskets in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions or until the pastry turns golden brown and puffs up.
9. Once baked, remove the puff pastry baskets from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
10. Once completely cooled, carefully remove the center of the pastry baskets if necessary, creating a hollow space to be filled with your desired fillings or toppings.
11. Fill the puff pastry baskets with sweet fillings like whipped cream and fresh fruits, or savory options like cheese, vegetables, or meats. Get creative with your choices!
12. Serve the puff pastry baskets as appetizers, desserts, or breakfast treats.

Puff pastry baskets are best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry tends to lose its crispness over time. You can make these in advance and store them in an airtight container for a few hours, but they are at their best when served soon after baking. Enjoy the flaky deliciousness of puff pastry baskets filled with your favorite flavors!