Next Up: Vol-au-Vent
I must have some readers planning to do some fancy entertaining this holiday season, because I’ve had three requests for these recently. Most people have seen vols-au-vent before: little (or large) puff pasty cases that hold fillings of various kinds, usually savory. Any ideas on such fillings — sweet or savory — are welcome. I’ve never done these before with homemade puff pastry, and frankly find the prospect a little intimidating. Which means this should be fun!
A shiitake mushroom with sherry cream would be delish. So would a bacon and cherry tomato filling.
Pleasant surprises here are endless. 😉
Mmm, maybe sausage and mushroom?
Nice! Thank you, Kristen.
– Joe
Hi Joe, common fillings here are smoked fish in a white sauce, mushrooms, savoury mince (ground beef), for hot appetisers, or curried egg with paprika, basil pesto with pine nuts, asparagus with chopped ham for salad type appettisers
I think the field is open for whatever filling you like, jelly with whipped cream, custard and almonds, ok, now I’m rambling.
Have fun 🙂
Oh…smoked fish. My grandmother used to get smoked whitefish from friends in northern Wisconsin. I’ve never tasted anything better. I may have to hunt for some for this, though. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Warren, as well as all the other terrific ideas!
– Joe
Spinach and leek in a white sauce or sun dried tomato and anchovy
Neat suggestions, Gwyneth! Thanks!
– Joe
How about ham, brie and raspberry? or pear, manchego, almond and fig?
Wow…cool, Nicole!
– Joe
Smoked chicken mixed through a cheesy sauce, topped with cranberry jelly. Yum and seasonal.
Thanks Annemarie!
I started thinking of all the things you could do with Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey salad with cranberry sauce drizzled over the top sounds best to me, or a play on a pot pie. For some reason puffed pastry to me just begs for pastry creme, ganache, and raspberries.
Funny you should say that, Nic. Mrs. Pastry immediately asked me why I was wasting this delicious pastry on a savory filling. 😉
You two are of like mind. The leftovers idea is inspired. Happy turkey day!
– Joe