Cheddar Cheese Puffs

With the holidays upon us I thought it would be appropriate to make some home made appetizers. Last year I spent mega dollars at the food warehouse for our holiday party. I wanted something easy to pop in the oven and have ready in 15-20 minutes for our guests so I chose a variety of boxed appetizers and most of them used puff pastry. The result was that they were just okay - not great or fabulous, just okay.

While we are not able to have a large party this year I figured we would do something small with just a couple of friends that we are close to. So rather than spend $10.00 or more for 40 bland appetizers I will spend around $8.00 for a smaller amount - about 34 per package of puff pastry and have something I am really proud to serve.

These are fairly easy to make. Just be sure to egg wash well and crimp tightly so the filling doesn't ooze out.

• 1 pkg. puff pastry sheets
• flour for dusting
• 5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese - finely shredded
• 3 ounces cream cheese - softened
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• Parmesan cheese - for sprinkling over the puffs
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. water

1. Take out the puff pastry to thaw.
2. In a food processor using a fine shredding blade, shred the cheddar cheese.
3. Take the cheese out and place in a bowl. Remove the shredding blade and replace with the regular metal blade.
4. Add in the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cayenne pepper around the food processor bowl. Lid and blitz until the mixture comes off to the side of the bowl.
5. Roll your pastry sheet out to about 12 x 12.
6. Make the egg wash with the egg and water.
7. Using a 2 1/2" biscuit cutter, cut out circles. Egg wash each circle and fill with a 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture.
8. Crimp over the sides, and pull each end up and crimp in the middle.
9. Egg wash each one all over. Place about 1/2 or so apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
10. Sprinkle to out side of each puff with some Parmesan cheese. I just used the jar variety.
11. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown.

You might also like this recipe for the holidays:

Easy Artichoke Dip

Southwest Cocktail Meatballs