Puff Pastry Sheets

Puff pastry sheets are simple, yet versatile ingredients that can elevate dishes from plain and ordinary to gourmet with their light and flaky texture. The magic of puff pastry is in its layers, created by a process known as lamination, which involves folding the dough numerous times to create thin, buttery layers. When baked, these layers separate and rise, creating a delicious, crispy texture that adds sophistication to any dish. The main place where cooks tend to go wrong with puff pastry is in the handling process- the pastry should be kept as cold as possible prior to baking, too much handling or rolling can cause the butter to melt, leading to a final product that’s heavy and dense, rather than light and fluffy. It is suggested to thaw it properly and not rush the process. Once thawed, puff pastry can be cut, shaped, and filled in endless ways. One way to get the most out of puff pastry sheets is to harness their versatility by experimenting with various fillings and toppings. Sweet fillings like fruit preserves or nutella, or savory fillings like cheese and vegetables, can easily be enveloped inside the dough which then puffs up in the oven, creating a delightful contrast of crispy pastry and soft, juicy fillings. Cooking tip: when baking pie or tart shells, it's helpful to prick the pastry all over with a fork - a process known as 'docking' - before baking to let steam escape, preventing the pastry from puffing up too much and creating large air pockets.