Asparagus and Walnut Puffs
Description
This is a prize-winning recipe in the I LOVE Walnuts! recipe contest submitted by Carole Resnick.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, 9-10 inches square and 1/4-inch thick, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, fat-free
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons basil, fresh, finely chopped or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 cup California walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 16-24 asparagus spears (2 or 3 per puff, depending on size)*
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil
PREPARATION
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- Fold pastry into a 10 x 4-inch rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into six 5 x 1 1/3-inch rectangles. Place rectangles on prepared baking sheet and set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine the ricotta, the Parmesan, the basil, the walnuts, the salt and the pepper. Mix well. Leaving a 1/2-inch border on each side spread 1/6 of the walnut mixture on each pastry. Place 2-3 asparagus spears on each dressed pastry rectangle (the thickness of the asparagus will determine how many spears are needed for each pastry).
- Bake until pastry is puffed and golden and asparagus is soft, about 12-15 minutes. Serve immediately.
*Tip: For variety use white asparagus or a combination of green and white.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 330 cal
- Total Fat: 24 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg
- Sodium: 416 mg
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g