Monday, June 4, 2007

Puff Pastry Shells

So this isn't so much of a "recipe" as it is an idea. I first used these shells for Jage's graduation breakfast with Sandra Lee's English Crown Scramble but have found out these can be used in a variety of ways. I use the Pepperidge Farm brand, mostly because that's the only brand I find that makes these. You cook them according to package directions, take the top off, and scoop out the doughy middle, and you have a puff pastry shell. Be careful when you remove the insides, they are a bit fragile. The dough is a little bland, like a basic croissant, so you'll want something flavorful inside. Here are some ideas:

1. Ham, egg, and cheese scramble
2. A thick chowder
3. Taco cups (I made these last night)
1 lb ground beef, browned
1/2 packet or full packet taco seasoning
1/2 can black beans, drained
1/3 cup frozen corn
8 puff pastry shells (or 2 per person)
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Green onion (optional)

Cook shells according to package directions. Add 1/3 cup water to ground beef and add the taco seasoning. Simmer for 2 minutes and add the black bean and corn. Remove tops and insides from shells. Fill with ground beef mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Place back in oven for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Just before serving, top with sour cream and green onion.

4. Cooked mixed berries topped with whipped cream.
5. Chocolate pudding with berries or vanilla pudding with diced banana

Any other ideas?

5 comments:

Carissa Poyfair said...

I think all of those sound so yummy and I am totally changing my weekly menu to include taco cups! Thanks for all the ideas, you little chef!

Carissa Poyfair said...

By the way, Giada DeLauretiis uses the shells all the time, too, so you can look her up on foodnetwork.com for some more ideas too.

Kristi Adams said...

where do you find these in the grocery store?

Kelli said...

At Target they are by the frozen pies. I'm sure they're in the same area at other stores. They are a dessert item, but I use them for other things (obviously!)

Carissa Poyfair said...

I made these on Sunday and Olivia (my 2 year old) loved picking them up with her hands and eating them. They were really easy and yummy! Thanks Kel!