Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry

Did everyone recover from the holidays?

We had a couple Christmas' this weekend and still have another one this coming weekend, so it's not over yet! Unfortunately, the husband and I both came down with the stomach flu on Christmas, therefore that last thing I've thought about lately is food...but, we are one the mend!

I wanted to share an easy, delicious appetizer/side dish I shared with my husband's family on Christmas Eve. I first saw Ina Garten make it on the Food Network last year. This is my second time making it, and no doubt there will be a third and a fourth.

I even omitted the cheese this year (very unusual for me, as I love cheese) and it still tasted great! Don't be intimated by puff pastry - buy it frozen, let it thaw, roll it out and bake it up. It is that simple.

Ham & Cheese Puff Pastry

photo courtesy of The Cutting Edge of Ordinary

1 pkg. (two sheets) frozen puff pastry (I used Pepperidge Farm)

2-3 T. Dijon mustard

1/4 lb. sliced ham

1/2 lb. sliced Gruyere cheese, sliced

1 egg beaten, plus 1 T. water for egg wash

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray baking sheet with non-stick spray. Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry out, and with floured rolling pin, flatten to 10x12 inches. Place it on baking sheet, top with mustard, ham and cheese, leaving a one inch border around the edges. Brush border with egg wash.

Roll out second piece of puff pastry and lay on top. Pinch edges together and seal with a fork. Brush entire puff pastry with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing (pizza cutter works great!) and serve.

I have the rest of the week off work (yea!), but the little man and I still have quite a few things to tackle. A trip to my parent's for a couple days, watching the Hawkeyes in their bowl game, various appointments for him and I, and installing my new camera on the computer. Yep, you heard right - I finally got a new camera! I'll be showing it off soon, along with some more delicious recipes.

Flourless Chocolate Cake anyone???

Stay tuned.