Easy Breezy Apps

It’s summer time and the living is easy…

That’s the way it should be anyway. Long weekends and holidays by a lake or poolside. Lazy afternoons reading and napping followed by early cocktails - with snacks of course.

Perfect Pastry rolled out and baked in to bite size pieces make an impressive base for all kinds of toppings. These can be baked well in advance and kept in an airtight container or frozen in freezer bags. The toppings don’t need to be melted or warmed. In hot weather it’s best to keep it cool and simple.

Here are a few of my summer favourites…

Tomatoes, basil and olive oil

Chevre, tomatoes and basil

Caramelized onions, roasted red pepper, black olive and anchovy

Tapenade and grilled vegetables or chevre or both

Old cheddar or Brie cheese topped with fig jam

Caponata

Smoked trout and cream cheese spread with fresh chives

Gorgonzola or other blue cheese and candied pecans or walnuts

For these appetizers either short crust or puff pastry will work.

Roll out 1 package of Perfect Pastry on a floured surface. Pastry should be approximately ¼ inch thick. Cut pastry in to hors d’oeuvres size squares with a knife or use a cookie cutter if you prefer rounds. Place cut outs on a parchment lined baking sheet. You can brush these with egg wash for a golden sheen or just bake as they are at 400F until golden brown, approximately10 minutes. Cool and store until ready to use.

Use within 2 days of baking or freeze.

Done and done! Pull those beauties out when you need them. Load them up. Pour some drinks and enjoy the glorious summer evening…