RoW - Strawberry Amaretto Pastries

Dainty and delectable, these petite pastries are embellished with sliced strawberries and orange zest. These can be made a few hours ahead without getting soggy.

The Pampered Chef ® Strawberry Amaretto Pastries Recipe

1/2 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet), thawed
1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups thawed, frozen whipped topping
12 large strawberries, sliced
1 orange

Preheat oven to 400°F. Unfold pastry dough onto Large Bar Pan. Finely chop half of the almonds using Food Chopper. Combine chopped almonds and sugar in Prep Bowl; sprinkle evenly over surface of dough. Lightly press almond mixture into dough using Small Mix 'N Scraper®.

Using Pizza Cutter, cut dough lengthwise into three strips; cut strips crosswise into four squares for a total of 12 squares. Using Mini-Serving Spatula, separate squares evenly over surface of bar pan. Bake 16-18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from bar pan to Stackable Cooling Rack; cool completely.

Place remaining almonds in (8-in.) Sauté Pan. Cook over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Coarsely chop using Food Chopper and set aside.

Whisk sour cream, powdered sugar and almond extract in Classic Batter Bowl using Stainless Whisk. Fold in whipped topping using Small Mix 'N Scraper®. Slice strawberries using Utility Knife. Split open each pastry square; arrange half of the strawberries into bottom of each shell. Top each with about 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling and sprinkle with chopped almonds. Top with remaining sliced strawberries. Zest orange over strawberries using Microplane® Adjustable Grater. Place tops of pastry shells over filling. Serve immediately.

Yield: 12 pastries

Nutrients per serving: (1 pastry): Calories 230, Total Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 4 g, Sodium 75 mg, Fiber 3 g

Cook's Tip: Sliced peaches or nectarines can be substituted for the strawberries, if desired.

Cut the pastry squares in half BEFORE cooking to make 24 smaller servings.

© 2009 The Pampered Chef used under license.