I love using puff pastry from the grocery freezer section. It saves so much time and effort and, I think, it’s quite comparable to homemade. During the busy holiday season, it comes in especially handy when preparing those party appetizers such as these Ham and Asiago Cheese Palmiers.
Palmiers are basically double spirals, similar to the Spinach and Asiago Cheese Spirals posted recently. These were also featured when I appeared on THV 11’s This Morning Program talking about Make-Ahead Appetizers.
I used Petit Jean Meats sliced hickory smoked ham for these because I love their products and I really like supporting Arkansas companies.
If you’re looking for an easy appetizer for your upcoming shower, party or bowl-game watch, give these tasty tidbits a try.
On a side note: Watch Channel 11 This Morning next Tuesday, January 13 when I’ll be talking all things peanut butter.
- 2 cups finely grated asiago cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed
- 2 tablespoons honey-Dijon mustard
- 2 ounces finely minced or ground Petit Jean hickory smoked ham*
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 baking sheets with foil. Lightly spray with vegetable oil spray.
- Mix first 4 ingredients in medium bowl. Cut puff pastry crosswise in half to form 2 rectangles.
- Spread 1 tablespoon mustard over 1 puff pastry rectangle, leaving 1-inch plain border at 1 long edge.
- Place half of ham in single layer atop mustard. Top ham with half of cheese mixture.
- Brush plain border with egg. Starting at side opposite plain border, roll up pastry, sealing at egg-coated edge. Transfer pastry roll, seam side down, to medium sheet.
- Repeat with remaining pastry rectangle, mustard, ham, cheese mixture, and egg.
- Chill rolls until firm, about 30 minutes, or wrap and chill up to 1 day. They can also be frozen; thaw before cooking.
- Cut each pastry roll into about thirty 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Transfer pinwheels to prepared sheets.
- Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer to platter; serve.
- * I use the packaged ham slices with or without pepper. You can also use finely minced or ground pepperoni, salami or smoked sausage.
For additional ideas follow these links:
Riceland Smoky Cheese Ring (I used ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper. I think chopped green peppers would make a nice addition as well. Serve with Cranberry-Habanero Jam.)
Talya’s Olive Oil-Rosemary Almonds (I used hickory smoked salt)
Bruschetta of Arkansas Peaches, Bacon, Goat Cheese with Honey-Walnut Drizzle (works with pears as well)
