Description
Decadent Spirals of Blue Cheese, Walnut, Thyme, Pitahaya, and Raspberry
Ingredients:
2 sheets of puff pastry (square shaped)
2 tablespoons of honey
100 grams of blue cheese, crumbled
100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
50 grams of walnuts, chopped
6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves
1 pitahaya (dragon fruit), peeled and finely chopped
50 grams of raspberries, halved
1 tablespoon of milk
Sea salt and cracked pepper
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Adjust to 200°C (390°F) for non-fan electric ovens.
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each sheet of puff pastry.
Scatter walnuts, blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, pitahaya, and raspberries over each sheet. Top with thyme leaves and season with sea salt and pepper.
Roll each sheet tightly, cut in half lengthwise, and tuck edges to keep filling secure.
Twist each pastry strip, coil into rounds on a tray lined with baking paper, and brush with milk.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden.
Garnish with additional thyme and raspberries, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Ingredients: Ensure puff pastry is thawed. Crumble blue cheese, grate Parmesan, chop walnuts and pitahaya, halve raspberries, and strip thyme leaves.
2. Assemble Base: Lay pastry sheets flat. Drizzle each with one tablespoon of honey, spreading lightly. Evenly scatter the blue cheese, Parmesan, walnuts, pitahaya, raspberries, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roll and Shape: Tightly roll each sheet into a log. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each log in half lengthwise to create two long strips. Gently twist each strip, then coil it into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.
4. Bake: Lightly brush each spiral with milk. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until deeply golden and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pastries warm from the oven. They make a stunning appetizer or a sophisticated dessert. Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a savory start, or accompany with a drizzle of extra honey and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish. A glass of dessert wine or a sparkling Prosecco complements the bold flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
Thaw puff pastry, then top with honey, cheeses, nuts, fruits, and thyme. Roll tightly, slice lengthwise, twist, and coil into spirals. Brush with milk and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden. Garnish and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the spirals, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for pitahaya? If dragon fruit is unavailable, finely diced pear or apple provides a similar mild, sweet crunch.
My pastry didn’t puff properly. Why? This is often due to overhandling, which melts the butter in the pastry. Ensure ingredients are cold and work quickly. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer.
Is there a nut-free alternative to walnuts? Absolutely. Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) offer a delightful crunch without nuts.
Can I use frozen berries? It’s not recommended for the filling, as excess moisture will make the pastry soggy. Use only fresh, halved raspberries inside, reserving frozen ones for sauces if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Pastry: Too much filling will spill out during baking and prevent proper twisting.
- Using Warm Pastry: Puff pastry must be cold to achieve maximum lift. Work efficiently and return it to the fridge if it becomes soft.
- Skipping the Milk Wash: Brushing with milk is crucial for achieving a deep, golden-brown color.
- Not Tucking the Ends: Ensure the end of each twisted strip is secured underneath the coil to prevent unraveling in the oven.
Conclusion
These Blue Cheese and Pitahaya Spirals are a breathtaking fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, all wrapped in flaky, golden pastry. While they appear intricate, the process is straightforward and highly rewarding. Perfect for impressing guests or elevating a casual meal, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Remember the key tips: keep everything cold, don’t overfill, and bake until perfectly puffed. Enjoy the delicious results!