Apricot Puff Pastry Twists With Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes

PUFF PASTRY TWISTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment or buttered waxed paper.
• Unroll the puff pastry on a work surface. Brush the pastry generously with melted butter.
• In a small bowl, toss together the sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the pastry.
• Working lengthwise, cut the pastry in half and then cut each half into 6 even strips, each 3/4-inch wide. Twist the strips to make long twisted "straws".
• Transfer to the prepared pan, pushing the ends down with your thumb to help them stay in place on the pan and remain twisted. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
• To make the sauce, heat the milk in a saucepan. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate and whisk to melt it. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth. Keep sauce warm until ready to serve.
• To serve, place the twists on a tray and serve with the sauce along side for dipping.

PUFF PASTRY GLAZED APRICOT TWISTS

Steps:

• Set oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you will most likely need two baking sheets for 16 pastries).
• Roll out one puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface into a 12x10-inch rectangle, then cut in half lengthwise (I use a pizza cutter for this).
• Cut each half crosswise into four 5x3-inch strips (for a total of 8 strips).
• Spread each strip with about 1/2 tablespoon apricot jam, then fold the strips in half lengthwise to form 1-1/2-inch wide strips.
• Twist each strip 3 times, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Repeat with the remaining puff pastry (you should have 16 pastries when done, you might have to use two baking sheets.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
• Transfer the twists to a rack.
• In a small bowl whisk together confectioners sugar, whipping cream and lemon juice; brush over the warm pastries.

GLAZED APRICOT TWISTS

Steps:

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 12- by 10-inch rectangle, then cut in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 4 (5- by 3-inch) strips (for a total of 8 strips).
• Spread each strip with 1/2 tablespoon jam, then fold strips in half lengthwise to form 1 1/2-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip 3 times and place on baking sheet.
• Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer twists to a rack set over a sheet of parchment. Stir together confectioners sugar, cream, and lemon juice until smooth, then brush over warm twists. Serve warm.

PLUM AND APRICOT PUFF PASTRY TARTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Scrape seeds from vanilla bean with a knife into a small bowl, discarding pod, and stir in sugar and cinnamon.
• On a lightly floured surface roll out pastry 1/8 inch thick and cut out two 6- by 5 1/2-inch rectangles. Arrange pastry on a baking sheet and fold edges in on all sides to form 1/2-inch borders, leaving corners unfolded. Form points at corners by twisting ends and pressing them gently onto baking sheet. On pastry arrange plum and apricot slices, overlapping them slightly, in rows and sprinkle with sugar mixture.
• Bake tarts in middle of oven until pastry is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool tarts on a rack and brush with jam.
• Serve tarts warm with ice cream.