Wrapped Asparagus Spears in Puff Pastry and Desert Landscapes

Wrapped Asparagus Spears In Puff Pastry

Cook’s Notes: 1 puff pastry sheet makes 12 and you will need 6 slices of deli ham cut in half. If using thin spears 2 can be wrapped in puff pastry. 

Remember Hearts Puff Pastry?http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/search?q=+puff+pastry+hearts

Since I had pastry sheets thawed I applied the same principle using a shamrock cookie cutter. Imagine the possibilities with so many different cookie cutters! 

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus-spears with thin stalks
• 6-12 thin slices of deli maple ham
• Soft cheese e.g. Havarti cut ½ x 2 inch pieces 
• Dijon mustard
• 1 box thawed Puff Pastry sheets makes 24 or 1 sheet makes 12 asparagus puff pastry. 
• Egg wash
• Sesame seeds
• Grated Parmesan cheese or a spice called Garlic Bread Sprinkle

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Wrap 1-2 asparagus spears with ½ slice maple ham. 

• Using a pastry wheel cut pastry sheet into thirds vertically, then into fourths horizontally making a total of 12 pieces. Brush each pastry sheet with the Dijon mustard. Lay asparagus wrapped ham spear in middle of pastry sheet. 

• Add piece of cheese on the asparagus and wrap the asparagus/ham spear in the pastry stretching to make sides join together. Leave asparagus tips exposed. 
• Place asparagus bundles seam side down on parchment paper. 

• Brush pastry with an egg wash. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a spice; Garlic Bread Sprinkles. 
• Bake for 14-16 minutes or until puffy and golden brown.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication 

-Leonardo Da Vinci

The Desert in Bloom

With record high temperatures the desert landscape is exploding with color and fragrance ushering in an early spring.