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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Palmiers 2 ways—Italian Savory Palmiers & Vanilla Sugar Palmiers

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Palmiers are one of my all time favorite cookies.  Some people call them elephant ears, palm leaves, or French Hearts.  Back in Hong Kong, we called them butterfly cookies.  And these butterflies always fly their way straight into my tummy.  No matter what you call them, they are definitely decadent treats.

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You can find sweet palmiers at many bakeries or even packaged ones from supermarkets in the cookies isle.  However, if you’ve never tasted a fresh palmier from the oven, I highly recommend you to make some.  Not only they are easy to make, they are WAY better than the packaged ones from the grocery.  The ingredients are super simple as well.  There are only 3 ingredients for the sweet palmiers.  Thanks for the convenience of store bought puff pastry, all you need are vanilla sugar and salt to make this treat.  They are elegant for parties, and simple to make on any afternoon if you want a quick pick me up treat. 

Click here for the post to read about how to make your own vanilla sugar at home.  Otherwise, they are just one click away if you prefer to order them online.


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Onto the Italian Savory Palmier.  These are definitely wonderful appetizers and perfect for any parties or gatherings.  You can fill the dough ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator.  Then, simply cut out individual cookies and bake them right before your party.  They are unique and packed with tons of flavors.  Crispy and buttery puff pastry, filled with the classic Italian flare of pesto, sundried tomatoes and parmesan cheese.  The pine nuts add a crunchy texture and wonderful nutty flavor. Since a package of puff pastry comes with two sheets, you can (and should) definitely try both recipes out.  

Thank you for stopping by today, I hope you’ll enjoy today’s recipes.  Smile



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P.S.:  I think these cookies are in perfect shapes for Valentine's Day too!





Italian Savory Palmiers (Printable Recipe)
Makes: 28 cookies

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, defrosted
2 tablespoons pesto
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons finely chopped sundried tomatoes in oil, drained
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

On a lightly flour surface, unfold one sheet of puff pastry. Roll it with a lightly floured rolling pin until it's 9 by 11-inches. Spread the sheet of puff pastry with the pesto, and then sprinkle with the cheese, sundried tomatoes, and the pine nuts. Sprinkle with teaspoon salt.

Working from the short ends, fold each end halfway to the center. Then fold each side again towards the center until the folded edges almost touches each other. Gently fold one side over the other and press lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at 1 hour.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the chilled puff pastry in 1/4 inch thick slices; place them cut side up and 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wiring rack.
 
 

Vanilla Sugar Palmiers (Printable Recipe)
Makes: 24-26 cookies

1/2 cup vanilla sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 sheet puff pastry
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Combine the sugar and kosher salt. Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sugar/salt mixture on a clean working surface. Unfold a puff pastry onto the sugar and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of the sugar mixture on top, spreading it evenly on the puff pastry. With a rolling pin, roll the dough until it's 13 by 13-inches square and the sugar is pressed into the puff pastry on top and bottom.

Fold the sides of the square towards the center so they go halfway to the middle. Fold them again so the two folds meet exactly at the middle of the dough. Then fold 1 half over the other half, like closing a book.
Slice the dough into 3/8-inch slices and place the slices, cut side up, on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Bake for around 6 minutes, or until the bottom is caramelized and brown; then turn with a spatula and bake another 3 to 5 minutes, until both sides are caramelized. Cool on a wiring rack.

Note:  You probably will have some sugar left on the board after rolling the puff pastry and that's okay.


21 comments:

  1. These look so good! I first discovered palters when I was walking across Spain. So flaky and delicious. I didn't have to worry too much about the calories then, but I supposed I'd have to limit myself now. As good as yours look, that would be hard to do!

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  2. I love palmiers! But, I've never made them myself. I made the mistake of looking at the nutrition facts on the back of the puff pastry box and just couldn't do it after that. But, put them out at a party (with no calorie label!) and I'm all in!! Yours look awesome! I especially like the idea of going savory.

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  3. @ Rachel & ValleyWriter: I heard you and couldn't agree more. I think moderation is the key to everything. If you think of it this way, 1 sheet of puff pastry (1/2 a box) will make you 24 to 28 cookies, that's not bad when the calories divided up. So, be sure to share with friends and family! ;)

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  4. I love these! So delicate and sweet. I'll take both.

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  5. These are so beautiful!!! I bet they taste delicious! I will have to give the recipes a try. Thanks!

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  6. We are all about our "hearts" at Carolina HeartStrings. I know we would love these cookies. They look terrific. Come visit us. We have a great low fat crockpot recipe this week and tomorrow, roasted veges with grade seed oil. Yum.

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  7. Yum! These are dangerous for me and look SO good! I love both!

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  8. Two treats in one! I'd be alternating bites of each the whole night if I had a plate of 'em in front of me. Dangerous! ;)

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  9. Délicieux palmiers à croquer
    Je te souhaite un agréable jeudi
    Valérie.

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  10. @Belinda: Thanks. Oh yeah, I'll take both, anytime.

    @Baltic Maid: Thank you. Let me know how they turn out.

    @CarolinaHeartStraings: Yeah, love the hearts shape. I'm going to visit you right after this.

    @Katrina & Carolyn: Thanks. Yes, "dangerous" to have them around the house.

    @Valérie: Thank you. Wish you a wonderful rest of the week as well.

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  11. Amy, these yummy bites sure look delicious for afternoon tea.... how i wish i could have some right now :)

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    1. Oh yeah, these are perfect for afternoon tea.

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  12. love the sweet and savory combo! would be great at party!

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    1. Thank you, yes. They are wonderful to share at parties.

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  13. Those palmiers look so perfect - i love the savoury and sweet options!

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    1. Thank you soo much for your sweet comments.

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  14. They both look and sound fantastic!!

    Thanks for linking up! I featured you post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2012/valentines-day-ideas/ Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thank you for hosting and featuring my recipes. I truly appreciate that. :) Wish yo a wonderful weekend as well.

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  16. Very interesting. I've never had savory palmiers before, and I didn't know it existed! Wow I learned something new today. It looks delicious. I love palmiers from childhood and I still love it. Whenever I go to Costco, the big package of palmiers is asking me to buy....(and I don't since it's really a lot). I should make my own one day!

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  17. Catching up on my favorite blogs. These look great. I'm a sweet "elephant ear" gal. And yes, you're right. These look perfect for Valentine's Day. :)

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