Ingredients:
- Puff pastry: 2 sheets, thawed if frozen
- Egg wash: 1 egg, beaten
- Fillings of your choice (See suggestions below)
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Medium and small circular cookie cutters (or a knife to cut shapes)
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Small saucepan (for some fillings)
Instructions: Vol-au-vent Cases
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Cut the shapes: Roll out the puff pastry sheets to a slight thickness (about 1/8 inch). Use the medium cookie cutter to cut out circles.
- Create rings: Using the smaller cutter, cut out the center of half the circles, creating rings.
- Assemble: Place the full circles on the baking sheet. Brush the edge of each circle with egg wash. Carefully stack 2-3 rings on top of each circle, brushing egg wash between each layer.
- Prick and bake: Prick the center of each base with a fork to prevent over-puffing. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and fill: Let the vol-au-vent cases cool slightly. Gently press down the centers if needed, and they’re ready to fill!
Filling Options:
Classic Creamy Chicken and Mushroom:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions: Melt butter, sauté mushrooms, add chicken, cream, and wine (if using). Simmer until thickened, then season. Fill the cases and garnish with parsley.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz smoked salmon, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients and fill the cases.
Vegetarian Spinach and Feta:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Sauté onions. Add spinach, cook briefly, then stir in feta and season. Fill the cases.
Tips:
- Frozen puff pastry: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the cases a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Fill just before serving.
- Customizable fillings: Get creative! Think curries, shrimp salad, even sweet dessert versions.
