Parmesan Pesto Bacon Tomato Appetizer Bites Food

PESTO PINWHEELS

Steps:

• Unfold the first sheet of puff pastry on a work surface (if the pastry is sticky, lightly dust the work surface first). Roll it into a 10x12-inch rectangle. Spread with 1/4 cup of pesto leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Lay 5 prosciutto slices on top, overlapping as needed. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup Mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
• Starting at the long (12-inch) edge, roll the puff pastry into a log. Press it lightly as you go so that the filling rolls inside the pastry. Trim the ends so that they are even, then tightly wrap the log with the plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 day. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry, and remaining pesto (if using 2 types of pesto, use the second variety here), prosciutto, and cheeses. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Once the logs have chilled, using a sharp, serrated knife, carefully cut each log into 1/2-inch-wide slices. (If each log is 12 inches, you will get 24 rolls from each roll-if you are worried about the recipe yield, be sure to measure). Arrange the rolls on the baking sheet spiral-side up, spacing each 1 inch apart. Bake until the puff pastry is flaky and golden brown and the cheese is hot and bubbly, about 18 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with chopped basil as desired. Let cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CHERRY TOMATO BITES

Steps:

• Cut a thin slice off the top of each tomato. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain. Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate until serving.

PARMESAN-PESTO BACON & TOMATO APPETIZER BITES

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese spread and pesto in medium bowl until blended; stir in Parmesan cheese and bacon.
• Cut tops off tomatoes, then scoop out centers; discard tops and centers.
• Spoon cream cheese mixture into tomatoes.

TOMATO & FETA PESTO BITES

Steps:

• Roll out the pastry on a surface lightly dusted with the Parmesan to about the thickness of a ten-pence piece. Stamp out 12 rounds using a 6cm plain cutter and line a shallow 12-hole bun tin. Chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to fan 180C/conventional 200C/gas 6.
• Prick each pastry base with a fork and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Remove from the tin and leave to cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, tear the leaves from the parsley stalks and put all but 12 of the small sprigs in a food processor with the pine nuts, then whizz until coarsely chopped. Then add the feta, garlic and oil and whizz to make a thick paste. Keep the reserved sprigs in a bowl of water in the fridge. The pastry bases will keep in a tin for up to 2 days and the pesto will keep in the fridge overnight.
• To serve, dollop a spoonful of the feta pesto onto the tarts and top each one with two cherry tomato halves. Garnish with the reserved parsley sprigs. Arrange on a platter and hand round with a bowl of black olives and sparkling mint & lemon juleps.