Puff Pastries
Flaky, golden puff pastries filled with savory chicken or crab salad, perfect for elegant appetizers or light snacks, combining crisp texture with creamy, flavorful fillings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour; measure.
- Add salt and sift again.
- Combine margarine and boiling water in a saucepan.
- Keep over low heat until butter is melted.
- Add flour all at once and stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball and leaves the side of the pan. Remove from heat.
- Add unbeaten eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition; continue beating until a thick dough is formed.
- Drop small teaspoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) until beads of moisture no longer appear on the surface, about 20 to 22 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut off the tops of the pastries.
- Fill with a small amount of chicken or crab salad.
- Replace the tops of the pastries.
- Refrigerate and serve chilled.
- Puff pastries may be frozen and filled later.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your margarine is at room temperature before combining it with boiling water. If you prefer, you can substitute butter for margarine. For a lighter texture, consider adding a pinch of baking powder to the flour. Be sure to mix the dough until it pulls away from the pan, creating a smooth consistency. This dough can also be used for 'Alfajores' cookies, giving you versatility in your baking.
Serving Suggestions
These puff pastries are delightful as a light appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with a creamy dip or sauce, adding extra flavor. For a more substantial dish, serve with 'Cherokee Corn' for a unique twist. They can be made ahead and served chilled, making them ideal for parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover filled pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispness. Unfilled pastries can be frozen for up to a month; just ensure they are tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Puff Pastries contains roughly 168 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fat instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. It will give a richer flavor to the dough. You can also use shortening for a vegan option, but the texture may vary slightly. Just ensure that the fat is melted and combined well with the boiling water for optimal results.
How can I tell when the pastries are fully baked?
The pastries are done baking when they are puffed up and golden brown. Additionally, you should see no beads of moisture on the surface. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. This can help save time during your event preparation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).