Apple and Culatello Puff Pastry Parcels Recipe
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fuji Apples | 320g |
| Puff Pastry | 460g |
| Culatello (Italian Ham) | 100g |
| Brown Sugar | 50g |
| Orange Juice | 50g |
| Hazelnut Crumble | 50g |
| Egg | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Start by peeling and coring the Fuji apples. Slice them in half, remove the seeds, and cut them into wedges. Then, chop the apple wedges into small cubes.
-
Caramelize the Apples:
- In a high-sided, non-stick pan, place the brown sugar and squeeze the juice of one orange. Heat over low flame, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar is melted, add the cubed apples. Stir gently to coat them in the syrup, and cook until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
-
Cool and Add Hazelnuts:
- Once the apples are done, remove them from the heat and transfer them into a bowl. Let them cool slightly before mixing in the hazelnut crumble. Stir everything together to combine.
-
Assemble the Puff Pastry Parcels:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into squares (about 8 pieces).
- Place a thin slice of culatello in the center of each pastry square. Top with a generous spoonful of the apple mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
-
Fold and Seal the Parcels:
- Carefully fold the pastry squares in half to form triangles or rectangles, enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal the parcels. If desired, brush the edges with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
-
Bake the Parcels:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) for a conventional oven, or 200°C (392°F) if using a fan-assisted oven.
- Place the parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12 minutes (8 minutes if using a fan oven) or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy. You can test one parcel for doneness, then adjust baking time as needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the parcels from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious, savory appetizer or snack, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet apples and savory culatello.
These Apple and Culatello Puff Pastry Parcels offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the apples complementing the rich, savory notes of the Italian ham. A true crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Cooking Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to substitute the Fuji apples with any sweet variety you prefer, such as Gala or Honeycrisp.
- For Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy exterior, you can brush the pastry parcels with some melted butter before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these parcels with a light salad or a glass of white wine for an elegant appetizer!
Enjoy these delectable puff pastry parcels at your next gathering, and impress your guests with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!
