Caramelized Onions For Pigs In A Blanket Food

PIGS IN A BLANKET

Steps:

• Cut hot dogs lengthwise 3/4 of the way through. Insert a piece of cheese or 1/2 teaspoon caramelized onions into each hot dog, if using; set aside. If not using cheese or onions, poke hot dogs several times with the tip of a knife.
• On a lightly floured work surface, working with one sheet of puff pastry at a time, roll into a 14-by-11-inch rectangle. Cut lengthwise into seven 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 4 rectangles, each about 3 1/2 inches long.
• In a small bowl, beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water; set aside. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside. Place a hot dog on the narrow end of one piece of pastry. Roll to enclose, brushing with some of the beaten egg to adhere; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat process with remaining hot dogs and pastry. Brush the tops of puff pastry with egg and sprinkle with seeds, if using. Transfer to refrigerator and let chill for 15 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake until puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving with mustard and ketchup.

FRENCH HAM-AND-BRIE PIGS IN BLANKETS

Steps:

• Heat the butter and oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Raise the heat a little, and cook to develop a more golden color, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the onions to a small bowl to cool completely.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Cut each slice of ham into 3 strips about 2 inches by 5 inches. Cut the Brie into 24 pieces about 1/4 inch by 1 inch. On each strip of ham, place 1/4 teaspoon of the caramelized onions and 1 piece of Brie, and roll up tightly.
• Open the tube of dough, and separate it into 8 triangles at the perforations. Cut each triangle into 3 long, thin triangles (for 24 pieces total). Lay 1 ham roll centered on the tip end of a triangle, roll until you reach the flat end and place, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining triangles and ham rolls. Top each finished roll with a dab (about 1/8 teaspoon) of the remaining onions. Bake until the dough is golden brown and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with Dijon mustard on the side.

CARAMELIZED ONIONS FOR PIGS IN A BLANKET

Steps:

• In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, adding a little bit of water as necessary if onions begin to stick, until deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.