Salty Cones with Mortadella Mousse
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 10
These savory cones filled with a creamy mortadella mousse and topped with crunchy pistachios are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. They combine the rich flavors of mortadella with the freshness of cream cheese, creating a delectable treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and make these mouthwatering cones for your next gathering!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | 230g |
| Mortadella | 180g |
| Cream Cheese (spreadable) | 120g |
| Fresh Cream | 60g |
| Whole Milk | As needed |
| Unsalted Pistachios | 15g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Cones
To begin, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Start by unrolling the puff pastry sheet. For a consistent result, use a rectangular sheet of puff pastry, ensuring the strips you cut are uniform. Place the longest side of the puff pastry vertically, and use a pastry cutter to slice the dough into long, narrow strips.
Next, take each strip and wrap it tightly around a cone-shaped mold, spiraling the dough as you go. Be sure to gently press the overlapping edges together to seal them. You want to make sure the ends stick but do not squash the pastry too much.
Once all the strips are wrapped around the molds, brush them lightly with a small amount of milk to ensure a golden, crispy finish after baking.
Place the prepared cones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Once done, remove the cones from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Mortadella Mousse
While the cones are cooling, it’s time to prepare the mortadella mousse. In a food processor, combine the mortadella slices with the fresh cream and cream cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring the mixture is well-combined.
Taste the mousse and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or pepper if you prefer, but the mortadella should provide enough flavor on its own.
Step 3: Assemble the Cones
Once the puff pastry cones have cooled, carefully remove them from the molds. Gently press the tip of the cone to loosen it, making sure the pastry doesn’t break. At the tip of each cone, carefully pipe a small amount of the mortadella mousse.
To finish, crush the unsalted pistachios by chopping them roughly with a knife. Place the crushed pistachios in a small bowl. Dip the tip of each cone, where the mousse is, into the pistachio crumbs, allowing them to adhere to the mousse. This will add a lovely crunch and a hint of nutty flavor to each bite.
Step 4: Serve
Your salty cones with mortadella mousse are now ready to serve! These savory treats are perfect for a holiday appetizer, a light starter for a meal, or as finger food for a party. Their crisp, buttery pastry and creamy filling will surely impress your guests.
Enjoy the rich flavors of the mortadella mousse, the subtle crunch from the pistachios, and the delicate puff pastry that holds it all together.
Tips and Variations
- Pistachios: If you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute the pistachios with finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
- Pastry Molds: If you don’t have cone-shaped molds, you can use aluminum foil to create cone shapes. Alternatively, you can form the cones by twisting the puff pastry around the base of a thick pencil or wooden stick.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cones and the mousse a day in advance. Store the mousse in an airtight container in the fridge and fill the cones just before serving.
These salty cones with mortadella mousse are an elegant and delicious addition to any menu, showcasing simple yet refined flavors that are sure to be a hit. Enjoy creating these at home and sharing them with friends and family!
