BUTTER UP KNIFE RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix these together until sticky.
• Drop into bubbling soup or stew, broth or water. (see below for ideas).
• Dumplings will rise to the surface as they cook; remove from liquid with a slotted spoon (if sautéing in another pan); set aside in a bowl (keep warm).
• MAKE THE DUMPLINGS #1: This method results in very small, stringy-ish dumplings and is great for soups or stews. Spoon several tablespoons of batter into a colander, then with the back of the spoon--press the batter through the holes into the bubbling liquid.
• METHOD #2: This method forms larger dumpling pieces (dime & quarter size) and is great for soups or stews, too -- but especially good if you want to saute the dumplings afterwards (more on that in a minute). Using a teaspoon and butter knife, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then use the knife to cut off little dibs and dabs, using the knife to also push the dibs into the hot liquid. If the knife or spoon gets messy, just dip into the hot liquid.
• SERVING IDEAS: We love these in chicken-dumpling soup (use your regular chicken soup recipe -- skip the egg noodles and make these dumplings instead). OR scoop out the larger dumplings (Method #2), and saute in butter or olive oil along with kielbasa or other sausage and LOTS of onion ring slices. OR saute some fresh veggies, then add the dumplings -- heaven!
• VARIATIONS: Add several pinches of your favorite herbs along with the flour to enhance the soup, stew or saute dish.
• Chef's Note: Altho' this is kind of putzy, it is well worth the effort and SO different from regular pasta-noodles.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liner.On lightly floured surface, roll out puff pastry to a 1/4-inch thick rectangle roughly 9 inches by 18 inches. Use knife to cut the pastry equally into six 3-inch by 9-inch strips.Combine almonds, sugar, brown sugar and salt in small bowl. Add butter and mix using fork or fingers until thoroughly mixed. The mixture will be crumbly and sand-like.Whisk together egg and water. Brush pastry strips with light coating of egg wash. Sprinkle almond mixture evenly over the pastry strips, leaving small border around the edges.Staring with short end, fold pastry over about 1 & 1/2 inches. Press down slightly. Continue folding pastry until you reach opposite end. Press end seam gently to seal.Place pastries seam-side down on prepared pan. Brush top of each pastry with egg wash. Sprinkle tops with sliced almonds.Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until pastries are golden brown. Cool before serving.