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 some Rockin’ Jalapeño Jam from Laura Ann Jams and 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 to research 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.

Ingredients

  • Frozen Puff Pastry (thawed)
  • 1 Tbs Fresh Thyme Leaves
  • Goat Cheese
  • Rockin’ Jalapeño Jam
  • 1 Egg (for egg wash)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Cut thawed puff pastry sheets into 4″ squares and pace on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  3. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle on thyme leaves.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes till golden brown then allow to cool completely.
  5. Top with goat cheese and jalapeño jam.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Recipes

Beer Braised Lentils and Sausage
Beer Braised Lentils & Sausage

I created this hearty one pan dinner with Octoberfest in mind. Braising lentils with beer and sausage gives them an irresistible flavor. You'll be saying Danke Shoen! 
pasta e fagioli recipe
Pasta e Fagioli

This beloved Italian classic is a testament to the country's artful simplicity in the kitchen. As we delve into this cherished recipe, we'll honor the time-honored traditions of Italian cuisine by starting with dried cranberry beans, which infuse the dish with unparalleled depth of flavor and an exquisite, creamy texture.
Olive Oil Braised Beans
Olive Oil Braised Beans

In the Basque region of France they don't soak their signature Tolosa beans, they slowly braise them with just water, salt and olive oil. Time and heat to transform even the dense beans from dry to creamy masterpieces. This method works just as well for all heirloom beans! Read more about my bean braising experiments...

SAVE 10%