Cranberry Ham Puffs: Savory Pastries with Tangy Fruit Sauce

Savoury Ham Puffs with Fruit Sauce

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Description

Make and share this delightful Savoury Ham Puffs with Fruit Sauce recipe from Love with Recipes. A delectable blend of savory ham and Swiss cheese encased in flaky puff pastry, these puffs are complemented by a sweet and tangy fruit sauce. Perfect for a festive lunch, a holiday snack, or an elegant appetizer, these puffs bring a touch of European charm to your table. With flavors that both kids and adults will enjoy, this recipe combines the heartiness of ham with the zesty sweetness of cranberry and the warmth of ginger for a memorable dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients

For the Ham Puffs:

1. Prepared mustard: ½ cup
2. Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
3. Smoked ham: 1 cup, finely minced
4. Swiss cheese: ½ cup, grated
5. Puff pastry sheets: 1½ sheets (approx. 8 sheets depending on size), thawed
6. Egg white: 1, lightly beaten (for sealing and brushing)

For the Fruit Sauce:

1. Whole berry cranberry sauce: 1 cup
2. Brown sugar: 2-3 tablespoons
3. Fresh gingerroot: 1 tablespoon, finely grated or minced
4. Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Preparing the Ham Puffs:

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly oiling or lining it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Mustard Mixture
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ½ cup of prepared mustard and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Set this mixture aside; it will add a tangy touch to the ham filling.

3. Prepare Ham Filling
   Process 1 cup of smoked ham in a food processor or finely chop it by hand until it reaches a minced consistency. Transfer the minced ham to a large mixing bowl.

4. Combine Filling Ingredients
   To the bowl with minced ham, add ½ cup of grated Swiss cheese. Pour in the mustard mixture from step 2 and mix until all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

5. Prepare Pastry
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets to a thickness of about ⅛ inch. Cut the pastry into 5 x 5-inch squares.

6. Assemble Puffs
   Place ½ cup of the ham mixture in the center of each pastry square. Moisten the edges of the pastry around the filling with lightly beaten egg white. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle, pressing the edges to seal tightly. Use a fork to press the edges for a more secure seal and a decorative finish.

7. Decorate and Bake
   Trim any excess pastry from the tips of the triangles and use the scraps to decorate the tops of the puffs if desired. Place the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining egg white for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve
   Remove the puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve the puffs warm, topped with the fruit sauce (recipe follows) and garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Preparing the Fruit Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients
   In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce, 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of finely grated or minced fresh gingerroot, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

2. Blend Until Smooth
   Process the mixture until the gingerroot is pureed and the sauce is smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more brown sugar if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little water or additional apple cider vinegar.

3. Serve
   Transfer the fruit sauce to a serving dish and serve alongside the ham puffs.

Tips & Tricks

1. Puff Pastry Handling
   Puff pastry can be delicate, so make sure it stays cold while you work with it. If it gets too warm, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.

2. Variations
   Try experimenting with different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile. You can also add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the ham mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Fruit Sauce
   The fruit sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before serving.

4. Presentation
   For a festive presentation, sprinkle the top of the puffs with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.

5. Make-Ahead Option
   These puffs can be assembled and frozen before baking. Place the assembled puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 1656.5 kcal
• Fat: 102.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 28.4 g
• Cholesterol: 38.2 mg
• Sodium: 1214.1 mg
• Carbohydrates: 155.6 g
• Fiber: 4.5 g
• Sugars: 35.5 g
• Protein: 30.8 g

Note: Nutritional values are estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Recipe Categories & Keywords

• Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Keywords: Ham, Pork, Cheese, Fruit, Meat, Canadian, European, Kid-Friendly, Christmas, Savory, < 60 Mins, Oven

These Savoury Ham Puffs with Fruit Sauce offer a splendid balance of flavors and textures, perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home. The combination of buttery puff pastry, savory ham, and a hint of sweetness from the fruit sauce creates a dish that is both heartwarming and elegant. Ideal for various occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy cooking and savor the delightful flavors!