Apricots & cottage cheese puffs in 15 minutes

Ingredients

Puffs

500 grams (17.6 ounces) yeast-free puff pastry
250 grams (8.8 ounces) apricots
220 grams (7.8 ounces) cream cheese
30 grams (1.1 ounces) flaked almonds
100 grams (3.5 ounces) rice flour
1 egg yolk
30 milliliters (1 ounce) plant milk
sweetener (stevia) to taste

Equipment

Rolling Pin
Essential for rolling out your puff pastry to the perfect thickness. Tip: Chill your rolling pin slightly to prevent the dough from sticking.
Baking Sheet
Make sure it's large enough to spread out all your puffs. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pastry Brush
Use this to brush the edges with the egg yolk and plant milk mixture. Tip: A silicone brush works best for even spreading.
Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is key for a clean cut when dividing the dough into squares. Keep it handy!

Instructions

Step 1

1. Roll out the dough on a table sprinkled with rice flour into a thin layer, about 2-3mm thick. Make sure your dough is evenly rolled to ensure uniform baking.

Step 2

2. Cut the dough with a knife into equal parts, aiming for 18 squares from two layers of dough, if possible.

Step 3

3. Slice the apricots into thin slices. You can use other fruits like peaches or nectarines if apricots are not available.

Step 4

4. Mix the cream cheese with the sweetener until well combined. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, especially if you like it less sweet or more indulgent.

Step 5

5. Evenly spread the cheese mixture onto the dough squares, making sure to leave a small distance from the edges.

Step 6

6. Place the apricot slices evenly on top of the cheese mixture.

Step 7

7. Whisk the egg yolk with the plant milk until well combined. Brush the edges of the dough squares with this mixture. This step is optional but it helps in achieving a golden-brown finish.

Step 8

8. If the apricots are not sweet enough for your liking, sprinkle a bit more sweetener on top.

Step 9

9. Decorate the top of the puffs with flaked almonds.

Step 10

10. Bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 347°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is browned and has risen. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 11

11. Let the puffs cool slightly before serving. Bon Appetit! Enjoy these warm with a cup of tea or coffee.

Servings

**Serving Suggestions and Ideas:**

Picture this: freshly baked Apricot Cream Cheese Puffs, still warm from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over them. **Heavenly! 🍨**

If you're serving these at a brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit platter and some mimosa cocktails. The **citrus notes** of the mimosa beautifully complement the **sweet apricot and creamy** cheese. **🍾🍊**

Hosting a tea party? These puffs go splendidly with a pot of Earl Grey tea. The **light bergamot flavor** in the tea highlights the rich flavors in the puffs.🍵

For a more refined affair, serve the puffs with a dollop of mascarpone and a sprig of mint. The cool, creamy mascarpone balances the warm, flaky puff pastry. **Simply yum! 🌿**

Variations

**Gluten-Free Variation:**

Gluten-Free Dough: Swap out the standard puff pastry with your favorite gluten-free puff pastry brand. Ensure the area is free from any gluten contamination for the best results. 🌾🚫

**Vegan Variation:**

Vegan Cream Cheese: Use a plant-based cream cheese instead of dairy cream cheese.
Egg Substitute: Replace the egg yolk with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water; allow it to sit for a bit to thicken.

Get creative and make these delightful puffs suit any dietary preference without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness! 🌱✨

Faq

Q: How thin should the dough be rolled out?
A: Aim for a thickness of about 2-3mm to get the perfect flaky layers.
Q: My puffs didn't rise; what went wrong?
A: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that your dough is cold when it goes into the oven.
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of apricots?
A: Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or berries work wonderfully as substitutes.
Q: Should the puffs be served hot or cold?
A: They are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they are still delicious at room temperature.
Q: What’s the secret to a golden-brown crust?
A: Brushing the edges with the egg yolk and plant milk mixture gives it that beautiful golden color.
Q: Can these be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the puffs ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.