Apricot Phyllo Napoleons Recipes

APRICOT PHYLLO NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Drain yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined sieve or colander set over a bowl, covered and chilled, 8 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Put stack of phyllo on a work surface and cover stack with 2 overlapping sheets of plastic wrap and then a damp kitchen towel. Stir together butter and oil.
• Arrange 1 phyllo sheet on a large parchment-lined baking sheet, then spread with one fourth of butter mixture using a dampened pastry brush. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Top with 3 more layers in same manner as first with remaining phyllo and butter mixture and 3 teaspoons granulated sugar. Cut stack into 12 rectangles (2 lengthwise cuts, 3 crosswise) and bake in middle of oven until crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack.
• Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into a bowl using a small sharp knife. Stir in drained yogurt, sour cream, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. Add apricots and sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons granulated sugar. Gently toss until apricots are warm and tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer apricots to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Add water and remaining teaspoon brown sugar to skillet and deglaze by boiling over moderately high heat, scraping up brown bits, until reduced by about half. Toss apricots in warm syrup.
• Place 1 phyllo rectangle on a plate and top with 3 apricot pieces and 1 generous tablespoon yogurt mixture. Make 2 more layers with phyllo squares, apricots, and yogurt mixture. Make 3 more napoleons in same manner.

STRAWBERRY-BLUEBERRY NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place 1 phyllo sheet on work surface (cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap, then damp kitchen towel). Brush phyllo sheet with some melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Top with second phyllo sheet. Brush with some melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Repeat with 2 more phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter and sprinkling each with 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Cut phyllo stack in half lengthwise; cut crosswise into thirds, creating six 4 1/4-inch squares. Transfer squares to 1 prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Repeat with 4 more phyllo sheets to create 6 more squares; transfer to second baking sheet, spacing evenly apart. Bake phyllo until light golden, about 7 minutes. Using spatula, transfer phyllo stacks to rack and cool completely. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets, butter, and sugar to make 36 squares total. (Phyllo squares can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store between layers of waxed paper in airtight container at room temperature.)
• Bring vinegar and 4 teaspoons sugar to boil in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until syrupy and reduced to 1/4 cup, about 25 minutes. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate.)
• Beat mascarpone, cream, vanilla extract, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. (Mascarpone filling can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Set aside 1/4 of strawberries and blueberries for garnish. Place 12 phyllo squares on work surface. Spread each with 1 tablespoon mascarpone filling. Cover with remaining sliced strawberries. Spread 1 tablespoon filling over strawberries. Place another 12 phyllo squares atop filling with corners slightly askew to bottom square. Spread each square with 1 tablespoon filling. Cover with remaining blueberries. Spread 1 more tablespoon filling over blueberries. Top with final 12 phyllo squares with corners slightly askew to middle square. (Can be made 3 hours ahead. Place napoleons on 2 large baking sheets. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Spoon dollop of filling atop each napoleon. Garnish with reserved straw-berry slices and blueberries. Dust with powdered sugar. Place 1 napoleon in center of each plate. Drizzle balsamic reduction around edge of plates.
• *Italian cream cheese, available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.

STRAWBERRY NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Combine pudding mix and cold milk; fold in whipped topping. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Unfold pastry on a cool, lightly floured surface. Cut into 3 strips along fold marks, then cut each strip into four equal pieces. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet, and cool.
• Split pastries into 2 layers, setting the 8 best looking tops aside. Spread 8 bottom layers with dollops of the pudding mixture. Top each with a layer of strawberries, a small amount of pudding, and another pastry layer. (A small amount of the pudding mix on top of the berries will help keep the layers together.) Spread with remaining pudding mixture and strawberries, and top with remaining pastry layers (the best looking ones). Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.

MEDITERRANEAN APRICOT PHYLLO BITES

Steps:

• Place almonds and apricots in a food processor; cover and process until finely chopped. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon butter, honey, lemon zest and extract; add almond mixture and stir until blended., Lightly brush one sheet of phyllo with remaining butter; place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Cut the two layered sheets into three 14x3-in. strips., Place 1-1/2 teaspoons filling in lower corner of each strip. Fold dough over filling, forming a triangle. Fold triangle up, then fold triangle over, forming another triangle. Continue folding, like a flag, until you come to the end of the strip. Brush end of dough with butter and press onto triangle to seal. Turn triangle and brush top with melted butter. Repeat., Place triangles on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.

NAPOLEON

Steps:

• Make puff pastry strips: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out dough into a 16-by-18-inch rectangle about 1/8 inch thick, being careful not to press too hard around the edges. Using a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut rectangle crosswise into thirds, with each strip 6 by 16 inches. Transfer to a baking sheet; dock, or pierce, the dough all over with a fork. Cover with plastic wrap; place in refrigerator 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Transfer to oven; bake until strips are puffed and golden all over, about 14 minutes. Set a baking sheet directly on pastry strips, and continue baking until pastry is cooked through and well browned, about 6 minutes. Remove top baking sheet; bake 4 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Using a serrated knife, trim each to 4 1/4 by 12 inches.
• Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream just to a boil. Place dark chocolate in a bowl, and pour hot cream over chocolate; whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is combined. Whisk in corn syrup. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
• Place white chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk until chocolate is melted, and remove from heat. Let cool.
• Using an offset spatula, spread dark chocolate glaze over one side of the flattest puff pastry strip, making sure to coat entire surface. Place white chocolate in a piping cone; pipe thin lines 3/4 inch apart across width of chocolate-coated strip. To create the distinctive flourish, gently drag the tip of a paring knife or a skewer lengthwise through both coatings, in lines perpendicular to the white chocolate lines. Begin at one of the short ends, and make each line 3/4 inch apart. Alternate the direction each time.
• Place one of the unglazed puff pastry strips on a serving tray. Spread half the pastry cream over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border all around. Top with remaining unglazed pastry strip; press down gently, and repeat with remaining pastry cream. Top with glazed pastry strip. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill 30 minutes uncovered. Using a long serrated knife, cut into six pieces, and serve.

APRICOT AND WALNUT PHYLLO CUPS

Steps:

• Special Equipment: a 12-count mini muffin pan
• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
• In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the apricots, walnuts, honey, 1 tablespoon orange zest, orange juice, and cardamom, until the apricots are in 1/4-inch pieces.
• Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a work surface. Brush the dough with melted butter. Place another sheet of dough on top and brush with melted butter. Repeat with remaining dough and melted butter. Using a sharp knife, trim the pastry into a 12 by 9-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 (3-inch) square pieces. Gently press each piece of dough into the muffin pan. Spoon the apricot filling into the cups. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the pastry is golden. Remove from the oven and let the phyllo cups cool for 10 minutes. Using a dessert spoon or a small spatula, remove the phyllo cups from the pan. Place on a rack and cool completely.
• Arrange the phyllo cups on a platter, garnish with orange zest, if using, and serve. Or, store in an airtight plastic container for up to 4 days.

CHOCOLATE PHYLLO NAPOLEON

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, combine the butter and cocoa to make "cocoa butter".
• Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place 1 sheet of phyllo on the pan and brush with cocoa butter. Sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons of sugar, then place another sheet of phyllo on top. Brush with cocoa butter, sprinkle with sugar, lay another sheet of phyllo on top, brush with cocoa butter, and sprinkle with sugar. Cover the stack with parchment paper. Place another pan on top to weight it down. Then place another, empty sheet pan on the very top. (This is to keep the phyllo from buckling during baking).
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the phyllo is dark brown. It's very difficult to tell, as it's so chocolate-y looking as it is. Remove the whole stack of sheet pans and let cool (do not unstack the pans).
• To assemble the dessert, break the phyllo up into random pieces about 3-inches square. Place a dab of mascarpone on each of 4 plates and press 1 phyllo piece down on it. Spoon on a heaping tablespoon of mascarpone in the center and surround it with raspberries. Place another phyllo piece on top and repeat, topping off with a final phyllo piece. Garnish with a mint sprig, a dusting of powdered sugar, and raspberry puree, if desired.

APRICOT TART WITH PISTACHIOS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lay 1 sheet phyllo on a parchment-lined 12-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon butter and brush to coat the entire phyllo sheet.
• Top with another sheet and butter as above. Repeat with 7 more sheets, for a total of 9, buttering as you go. The final, top layer should also be buttered. (The rest of the phyllo can be wrapped and frozen for future use.)
• Dot the top sheet with jam by the teaspoon, then, using a spatula, spread the jam to cover the entire sheet, leaving a 2-inch border.
• Sprinkle a layer of half the chopped pistachios over the jam. Place the apricot wedges, skin-side down, in even rows across the surface, then sprinkle again with remaining pistachios.
• Carefully fold over the edges on all sides of the tart to make a 10-by-16-inch rectangle. Brush folded sides with butter. Sprinkle sugar generously over apricots and folded edges.
• Bake until pastry is golden and apricots begin to color, about 1 hour. Cool for 15 minutes, then cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PORTABELLA NAPOLEONS

Steps:

• Combine the 3/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, white wine and garlic in a large bowl.
• Add the mushroom caps, chicken breasts and tomato slices, tossing to coat.
• Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the grill to medium heat.
• Remove the mushrooms, chicken breasts and tomatoes, and discard the marinade.
• Place the mushrooms on a tray covered in parchment paper.
• Grill until tender.
• Remove to a plate.
• Place the tomatoes on a tray covered in parchment paper (can used the same tray).
• Grill for only 1 minute on each side or the tomatoes will fall apart.
• Remove to a plate.
• Place the chicken breasts on the tray.
• Grill for two minutes on each side.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Layer one mushroom cap (stem side up), one chicken breast, one slice of tomato, one 2 basil leaves, another tomato slice on top, and them cover with one mushroom cap, stem side down.
• Take one sheet of phyllo dough, brush with olive oil, repeat with two more sheets.
• Wrap the 3 sheets of dough (all three at once) around the mushroom "sandwich.
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• Place this seam side down on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper, making sure the ends are tucked underneath.
• Brush the top and sides with olive oil.
• Repeat this with the other 3 sandwiches, using three sheets of phyllo dough per sandwich.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

REDUCED-SUGAR PHYLLO NAPOLEONS WITH EGGNOG CREAM

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir together sugar, stevia, cornstarch, nutmeg, and salt. Add yolks and stir until smooth.
• In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer. Slowly whisk about half the milk into the yolk mixture, then whisk yolk mixture into remaining milk in saucepan. Place back on heat and cook, stirring constantly, just until thickened. Strain through a fine sieve into a medium bowl and stir in butter and rum.
• Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on surface of pastry cream and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, stir together sugar and stevia. Lay out phyllo dough in a stack on a flat surface and cover with a dry kitchen towel, then a damp kitchen towel.
• Place 1 sheet of phyllo in front of you, brush lightly with butter, and sprinkle lightly with sugar-stevia mixture. Place another phyllo sheet on top and brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar-stevia mixture. Repeat this layering until there are 8 layers of phyllo, then brush top layer with butter and sprinkle with sugar-stevia mixture.
• Cut phyllo lengthwise in half to make 2 long rectangles. Cut rectangles crosswise every 2 inches. Transfer as many of the rectangles as possible to a large baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Nest another baking sheet of the same size on top so the phyllo rectangles are pressed between the baking sheets.
• Bake until browned and crisp, 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely and repeat with any remaining phyllo rectangles, baking and cooling them completely.
• In a medium bowl, beat cream until stiffly whipped. Stir pastry cream just until smooth, then fold in whipped cream.
• To assemble, lay 1/3 of the phyllo rectangles on a countertop in front of you. Spread a layer of pastry cream over each rectangle, then top with another phyllo rectangle. Spread another layer of pastry cream over phyllo, then top with a final phyllo rectangle. There should be 3 phyllo layers and 2 pastry cream layers.
• Dust each Napoleon with a little grated nutmeg and serve immediately.