Where’s the party? The party is in your mouth when you combine puff pastry, thyme, creamy goat cheese and sweet spicy jalapeño jam. This super fast appetizer recipe uses frozen puff pastry and gourmet jam so that you can create elegant party food in less than 25 minutes.
Brush puff pastry with an egg wash and fresh thyme for this easy appetizer.
An Entertaining Dillema
It was a Tuesday when I got the call. The ladies were dropping by in less than an hour and I had nothing to serve. When friends invite themselves over unexpectedly what’s a party girl to do? I always keep some puff pastry in my freezer for an emergency. I also like to keep goat cheese on hand because it’s so versatile. Toss on someRockin’ Jalapeño JamfromLaura Ann Jamsand you’ve got instant party poppers gone gourmet. The fast appetizer was a hit at my sudden soiree!
Why It Works
Goat cheese and jalapeño get along better than peanut butter and jelly and there is a good reason why. That fire in your mouth from spicy peppers comes from a chemical compound called capsaicin. According toresearch conducted by New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute, diary nullifies the effect. It does this by replacing the capsaicin on your taste buds with a protein from the milk. It’s why you’ll find dairy alongside so many spicy dishes. Think of the raita that comes with Indian food for example. The effect does not take away flavor, instead it allows you to taste more nuances in the food and get the full flavor. As a result you can taste more of the jalapeno’s herbaceous flavors when some of that fire is extinguished. It simply makes the dish more balanced.
Caramelized onions, toasted cumin and a cinnamon stick add layers of flavor and complexity to something we normally view as just a carb canvas for other food. You'll never make basmati rice another way.
Our southwestern riff on the 3 sisters includes the True Red Cranberry Bean.This rare heirloom had been used by Abnaki Indians centuries ago but became extinct shortly thereafter. Thankfully seed savors revived it but now it is only grown by a handful of farmers.
