Three things are true. Let’s go over some facts.
I’m gullible. I prefer to think of it as less naive and more trusting. If you tell me something, in all likelihood, I’ll believe you. For this reason, let’s keep the April foolery to a minimum this morning. It’s not really my style, and chances are, if you try to fool me with falsehoods or pranks today, it’ll work. Let’s not and say we did.
This day reminds me of one particular April Fool’s Day many years back. I thought playing a prank on my little sister would be ripe with comedy. It involved a toilet seat, petroleum jelly, and her resulting slippery bum. As I giggled with success, my little sister busted out her fake (but oh so convincing) cry and I was in a heap of trouble with Mom. She’s brilliant with the fake cry… award winning. Well played little sister… I see how you turned that around… Well played.
Lastly, and this is no petroleum jelly joke- I was featured in the London Times this week! Check out the interview and the photos… and say hello to London. Normally I’d tell you how being in the London Times makes me want to yell, and jump and otherwise spaz with excitement.. but I’m trying to play it cool. You know.. like wearing sunglasses at night, or wearing Converse sneakers with a fancy dress, or putting ham and mustard in cookies…. cool. Let’s play it cool.
A friend affectionately called these savory pastries, Ham Cookies. While the name is less than enticing, the description is just about right. I combined my favorite Dufour Puff Pastry with lovely Dijon mustard, thinly sliced prosciutto and Gruyere cheese. Roll the dough in towards each other like you would a Palmier, and you’ve got a savory breakfast snack, or a super easy appetizer. Easy and impressive… that means we all win!
Prosciutto Dijon and Gruyere Puffs
1 package Dufour Puff Pastry (It’s the best store bought pastry around. If you can’t find it, go for a brand that uses all butter, and not the fake fat stuff.)
8 slices Prosciutto di Parma
3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
flour for dusting
fresh ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. Once thawed, carefully unfold and lay on a floured work surface. If the pastry tears at the seam in the unfolding process, it’s not the end of the world, but try to keep it in one un-torn piece. Dust flour on top of the pastry as well.
Puff pastry will already be very flat, but with a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 11×9-inches. Layer the eight slices of prosciutto on top of the puff pastry. Using a butter knife, layer the mustard on top of the prosciutto slices. Top with grated cheese, and as much fresh ground black pepper as you like.
Begin to roll the right side of the pastry in towards the center. Next roll the left side of the pastry in towards the center. Press together. Dough will not stick together, but if you brush away some of the excess flour on the center dough pieces, they will stay together better during baking.
With a sharp knife, slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place on a baking sheet lines with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes, until a deep golden brown. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then remove from baking sheet and serve warm or at room temperature.
Liz
Is there a reason why you put the mustard on the proscuitto instead of brushing it on the puff pastry? Also, can these be made earlier in the day?