PUFF PASTRY WITH NUTELLA RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Lightly flour a board or counter top and lightly roll out the thawed pastry dough to about half its original thickness.
• Cut into six pieces as follows - (I used Pepperidge Farm's frozen puff pastry (US$ 4.99 in 2009) which came as two sheets folded in thirds (like a letter). One of the thirds can be broken off and cut in half to form two pastries, while the other two thirds is cut perpendicular to the fold into four sections. That makes the pieces form a good sized rectangle of about 3 inches by 4 inches when folded and baked).
• On one half of the pastry piece, spread about 1 tablespoon Nutella or other chocolate spread, leaving a small edge on all sides. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons hazelnuts over the Nutella, if you wish.
• Add 1 tablespoon of water to an egg in a separate bowl and whisk until well blended. Brush the egg wash on the empty edges, then fold the second half of the pastry sheet over the Nutella side and use your fingers or fork prongs to pinch closed.
• Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle granulated sugar on top.
• Make two slits with a sharp knife through the top layer of pastry. Place on a cookie sheet. You may also line the sheet with parchment paper, if you wish.
• Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
• Serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out one puff pastry sheet into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface and place on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly score puff pastry into the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle) with a wide base. Spread chocolate-hazelnut spread over the triangle in a thin layer with the back of a spoon.
• Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry to a large rectangle and place on top of the first one. Carefully trace the shape of the chocolate covered triangle underneath and cut out the Christmas tree shape and the trunk. Pull away excess pastry.
• Lightly score 2 lines down the middle of the triangle to form a tree trunk that is narrower at the top and gets wider towards the base. Using the trunk as a guide, cut branches into the sides of the triangle.
• Twist the branches away from you, trying to get in 2 turns on the lower branches. Continue moving up the tree, twisting away from you as you go.
• Cut a small star out of the excess pastry; place on top of the tree. Brush the star and tree with beaten egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven until puffy and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Slide onto a serving plate, using a piece of parchment paper if needed.