Celebrate the new Harry Potter movie with crunchy golden puff-pastry wands.
With hints of crunchy walnuts, parmesan and olives, these wands taste magical
and are sure to be enjoyed by sorcerers and humans alike.
1/2 cup California walnuts, toasted (125 mL)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (125 mL)
1/3 cup dried figs, finely diced (75 mL)
6 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
2 tsp capers (10 mL)
2 tsp balsamic vinegar (10 mL)
1-1/2 tsp fresh thyme (7 mL)
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper (2 mL)
1/4 cup water (50 mL)
1 10 x 10-inch (25 x 25-cm) sheet of puff pastry, thawed
Toasting Walnuts: In large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast walnuts, stirring occasionally, until lightly brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Walnut Mixture: In a food processor, combine walnuts, parmesan, figs, olives, capers, vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper, water and blend to a paste. Set aside.
With a sharp knife, cut sheet of puff pastry into 4 equal squares. Spread walnut mixture evenly among 3 of the squares, then stack, placing the clean pastry square on top.
To Assemble Wands:
Step 1: Cut two 1/4-inch (5-mm) thin strips from the pastry stack.
Step 2: Take one strip and twist into a spiral towards the right. Repeat with second strip.
Step 3: Lay both twisted strips side-by-side and pinch one end together. Take the right twisted strip and cross over the left one. Keep crossing the two twisted strips until completely spiralled together. Pinch the ends together to form a tip.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 until pastry is finished.
Lay wands on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool and serve.
Tip: The unbaked wands/pastry can prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The baked wands will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refresh in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5 minutes before serving, if desired.
PER SERVING (1 wand): about 129 cal, 3 g pro, 9 g fat (2 g sat. fat), 9 g carb, 1 g fibre, 3 mg chol, 207 mg sodium. %RDI: 4% calcium, 4% iron, 0% vit A, 0% vit C.