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