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Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If using a pre-rolled puff pastry sheet, simply unroll it carefully.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the puff pastry into squares, about 4×4 inches in size (you can make them smaller or larger depending on the size of your baskets).
3. Score the Baskets:
For each square, use a knife to score a smaller square inside the larger square, about 1/2 inch from the edges. Be careful not to cut all the way through—this will create a border around the basket.
If you’d like a slightly more decorative look, you can also cut small slits or patterns along the edges of the border.
4. Create the Basket Shape:
Once the squares are scored, gently press down in the center of each square to slightly flatten the middle, leaving the border raised.
Fold the corners of each square basket inward, slightly over the raised border to create the “basket” shape.
5. Apply Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it onto the raised edges and the inside of the basket to give it a golden, glossy finish while baking.
6. Bake the Baskets:
Place the prepared puff pastry squares on the lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the baskets are puffed up, golden, and crispy.
7. Cool and Fill:
Let the puff pastry baskets cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Once they’re cooled slightly, fill each basket with your desired filling. Here are some ideas:
Sweet: Spoon in some jam, fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of pastry cream.
Savory: Add a little melted cheese, cooked veggies, or a small serving of chicken or ham.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these adorable puff pastry baskets immediately and enjoy the crispy, flaky texture with whatever filling you choose.
Tips for Success:
For Extra Fluff: Make sure your puff pastry is cold when you work with it. This helps it puff up better while baking.
Creative Fillings: You can mix and match fillings based on the occasion. Try chocolate and marshmallows for a fun dessert or goat cheese and caramelized onions for a savory option.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the puff pastry baskets in advance and bake them just before serving to keep them crisp. Fill them right before serving to keep the pastry fresh.
Add Toppings: For sweet baskets, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce would be a great finishing touch. For savory baskets, try a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a touch of grated Parmesan.
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