Asparagus, Ham & Cheese Pastries

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Total Time55

Servings:

Calories: 375kcal

Author: Lovoni

A little all-purpose flour for dusting
1 package ready-rolled, store-bought puff pastry , thawed according to package directions (2 sheets about 1.1lbs/500g)
8 teaspoons pepper jelly or red currant jelly
8 oz (226g) ham (16 very thin slices)
8 oz (226g) Brie cheese, cut into 8 long slices
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed of woody end (you’ll need 4 to 5 spears for each pastry depending on the thickness)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large egg, beaten
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) convention (fan-forced) or 400°F (200°C) without the fan. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly dust a clean counter with a little flour. Roll one sheet of pastry until it’s 10 x 10 inches (25 x 25cm) square. Cut into 4 squares.
Spread each square with a scant 1 teaspoon of jelly. With each square of pastry turned like a diamond shape with a point facing you, arrange 2 slices of ham down the center of the pastry, then a slice of Brie then 4 or 5 asparagus spears so the ham Brie and asparagus all run in the same direction. Season with a little salt and pepper. Fold the left corner over the asparagus, brush it with egg, fold the right corner over the top. Arrange the pastries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush with more egg then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with the remaining sheet of pastry, jelly, ham, Brie, asparagus, egg and sesame seeds; place on the second baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let stand on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before serving. Serve hot. Makes 8.