Ham Cheese & Spinach Puffs





Recipe source: http://www.eatwell101.com/ham-cheese-spinach-puffs-recipe


Ingredients:
2 sheets puff pastry ( I use Pilsbury Cresent Dough Sheet(homemade recipe here)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) warm milk
1 pinch of salt
Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 lb (220g) cooked ham, diced
2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and chopped
1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
1 Egg




Instructions:


1. Cut the puff pastry sheets into 5-inch (13cm) squares. Set aside in the refrigerator. Pre-heat your oven to 400°F(200°C).



2. For the bechamel sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Add flour and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes pale golden with a slightly nutty aroma.





3. Pour warm milk in 2 steps, stirring constantly with wooden spoon and whisk until smooth. Add nutmeg. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly along the bottom of the saucepan, until boiling, about 7 minutes.


4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. If you still have lumps, use your immersion blender!






5.  Stir in spinach and cook for 1 minute. Add ham and swiss cheese and stir well ( Save some for topping later). Set aside.






6. Arrange the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dollop 1 or 2 tablespoons of the bechamel mixture, top with grated cheese and close the pockets by folding the corners on top.






7. Make an egg wash using an egg and 1 coffee spoon of cold water. Brush the puff pastry and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until puffed and golden. Serve immediately. It goes well with a crisp side salad.






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