Delightful Hand-Rolled Crispy Pastries Recipe

Indulge in the art of pastry-making with these delightful hand-rolled crispy pastries. Perfect for any occasion, these pastries are a symphony of flaky layers, a burst of flavor, and a satisfying crunch. Whether served as an appetizer, dessert, or a delightful snack, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create pastries that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup cooked spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked chicken or ham (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley), chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
  4. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a bowl, combine the grated cheese, cooked spinach (if using), chopped chicken or ham (if using), and fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  3. Cut the rolled-out dough into squares or circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Assemble the Pastries

  1. Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough square or circle.
  2. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for added design and to ensure they’re sealed properly.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

  1. In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk to create the egg wash.
  2. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash for a golden finish.
  3. Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
  2. Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or a delightful addition to your meal. Enjoy the crispy, flaky goodness!

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