Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice

Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice

by | Dec 19, 2020 | 0 comments

Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice

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Does that turkey you cooked keep on giving? With New Year’s celebrations just around the corner, it’s wise to tuck away a portion of that leftover turkey for my Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice. Chunks of turkey, shiitake mushrooms and shallots marry with cream cheese and topped with cranberry sauce and roasted chestnuts. It’s a wonderful combination tucked inside flaky and golden puff pastry. This Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice makes a lovely appetizer and can be made several hours ahead and baked when ready to serve.

A basket of chestnuts on a wooden board ready to be sliced for Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice.
Assesmbly of Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Roll on a parchment lined tray and egg wash on the side.

The roasted chestnuts are an added step but give a little sweetness and texture to this dish, plus the extra chestnuts are great to eat on their own or as part of an appetizer or dessert board. Roasted chestnuts are also great as a sweet puree used in other desserts or made into jam. Here’s a couple of ways to use up the extras from The Spruce Eats, that is if they make it that long.

Vegetarian and Vegan Roasted Chestnut Soup

Chestnut Stuffing

A golden baked Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice served whole on a wooden board garnished with fresh parsley.

I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy year ahead! I look forward to creating and sharing great recipes with you. This blogging side hustle of mine is what keeps me sane some days, focusing my thoughts on delicious food and having fun with my passion. Have a Happy New Year and all the best in 2021.

Slices of Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice arranged on a grey plate with cranberry sauce and fresh thyme.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Slices of Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice arranged on a grey plate with cranberry sauce and fresh thyme.
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Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice

Course Appetizer
Keyword appetizer, chestnuts, cranberry sauce, cream cheese, entertaining, gruyere, leftover turkey, mushrooms, party food, puff pastry, sage, shiitake
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh chestnuts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried sage
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup cooked turkey, diced small
  • 2 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1/3 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven 400°F.
  • Bring a medium pot of water to a simmer, meanwhile rinse chestnuts and cut a slit across the rounded side of the chestnut being careful not cut into the meat too much. It helps to lay the chestnut flat and use a sharp knife or a chestnut knife. Once the water is at a simmer drop in the chestnuts, cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes.
  • Drain chestnuts and arrange in a single layer on a baking tray with the cut side up. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with a kitchen towel and allow to cool enough to handle. Once cool split open the shell by prying apart at the cut seam to remove the outer shell and release the meaty chestnut.
  • Coarsely chop 10 chestnuts and save the remainder for another use. They are great eaten as they are or as a salad topper, in stuffing and many desserts.
  • Increase oven temperature to 425°F.
  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet and add shallots and mushrooms. Sauté until soft and moisture from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl cream together cream cheese, sage, salt, pepper. Fold in the sautéed mushrooms, diced turkey and Gruyere cheese.
  • Lay the sheet of puff pastry on a sheet of parchment big enough for your baking tray. Roll pastry to a 12"x12" square (the original sheet will be 10"x10"). If using a block of puff pastry roll out to 12"x12".
  • Cut 1" wide fingers that are no more than 4" long down parallel sides of the pastry square, leaving an uncut center strip that is at least 4" wide (see photo).
  • Spread the turkey mixture evenly along the uncut center portion of the pastry sheet.
  • Spread evenly with cranberry sauce and top with chopped chestnuts.
  • Wrap the pastry by bringing the pastry fingers across the filling, alternating sides as you go and tucking or crimping the ends. It's okay to have a few spaces between fingers.
  • Using the parchment, move pastry to your baking tray.
  • In a small bowl whisk together egg and 1 tbsp of water. Brush the prepared pastry with egg wash and bake for 25-28 minutes on middle rack.
  • Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The center will firm up a little as it cools making it easier to slice and eat.

Notes

-While chestnuts are boiling, baking and cooling you can assemble the pastry roll up until topping with chestnuts for optimal usage of time.
-The Turkey & Chestnut Pastry Slice can be prepped up to the egg wash, cover well and refrigerated up to 3 hours in advance.  When ready, brush with egg wash and bake.

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Affiliate Disclosure

I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry

by | Dec 13, 2019 | 0 comments

Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry baked golden in a green casserole dish and garnished with fresh thyme.

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I don’t know about you, but I think leftovers make some of the very best meals. Not only does leftover turkey taste amazing smothered in cream sauce all nestled up against veggies and potatoes, but it ensures that you’ve made the best of your bird with little waste. 

Groceries are expensive and we all work hard to feed our families well, which is another reason I’m a fan of leftovers.  They’re great for repurposing into inexpensive meals.  Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry is a great way to use up extra vegetables in your fridge, along with the leftover turkey.  Feel free to substitute the puff pastry for pie crust dough too.  They’re both great options, I just happen to choose puff pastry for this post. 

Puff pastry sprinkled with flour and ready to be rolled with fresh vegetables and diced turkey in the background for Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry.

I’ve made this Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry as a one-pan family-style meal.  It bakes up golden with bubbling hot goodness beneath.  It smells amazing and is homey and comforting.  As a child, I ate frozen pot pies, usually when my dad was away to give my mom a break from cooking.  While they’re no comparison to homemade, they emanated what I love about a pot pie and I secretly enjoyed them. I didn’t know any better and I had nothing to compare the frozen version to, so for me, it was comfort food heaven in a little foil dish. Nowadays I opt to make homemade and I hope your family enjoys it as much as I do, but whatever your homey, comfort food is, enjoy it! 

A scoop of Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry from a green casserole dish with serving bowls in the background.

Authour:  Compelled to Cook

A scoop of Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry from a green casserole dish with serving bowls in the background.
Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    6-8 people 35-40 minutes
    Cook Time
    30-35 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    6-8 people 35-40 minutes
    Cook Time
    30-35 minutes
    A scoop of Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry from a green casserole dish with serving bowls in the background.
    Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      6-8 people 35-40 minutes
      Cook Time
      30-35 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      6-8 people 35-40 minutes
      Cook Time
      30-35 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: people
      Instructions
      1. Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven until foamy. Stir in carrots, celery and onions. Sauté for 5 minutes until starting to soften.
      2. Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat all the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
      3. Over medium heat, slowly add one cup of hot chicken broth stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil (mixture will be very thick).
      4. Add another cup of broth and stir until smooth and the mixture comes to a simmer. Repeat with remaining broth.
      5. Reduce heat to low and add potatoes, herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer, partially covered for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are almost tender (this will depend on the size of your diced potatoes).
      6. Preheat oven to 425°F.
      7. Meanwhile prep the puff pastry dough if you have purchased unrolled. Dust your work surface with flour and roll pastry to 13"x9" rectangle or large enough to overhang your casserole dish. Dough should be 1/8"-1/4" thick.
      8. Stir turkey and peas into the stew and adjust to taste with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a greased 12"x8" or 2-quart equivalent casserole dish.
      9. Drape rolled puff pastry over the casserole, pressing the overhang onto the edge of the dish.
      10. Whisk egg and cream together in a small bowl and brush evenly over puff pastry.
      11. Cut 6-8 slits in the puff pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and pastry is cooked through. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
      Recipe Notes

      -It's important to use hot chicken or turkey broth.  Pouring cold liquid into the hot flour mixture will cause the flour to congeal and you will have lumps in your sauce.  Using hot broth maintains a steady temperature of the mixture allowing all flour particles to become incorporated before the flour cooks.

      -Flour does not reach its full thickening capacity until it comes to a full boil.

      -Use pre-rolled puff pastry dough for more convenience.

      -Be sure to leave an overhang of puff pastry.  If you don't the stew will bubble up over the pastry, preventing it from cooking properly.

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      Affiliate Disclosure

      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Cherry Almond Danish

      Cherry Almond Danish

      by | May 7, 2019 | 0 comments

      It’s all about mom! Surprise her in bed with a warm, flaky danish and a cup of coffee. I know I would be thrilled at such a gesture. This lovely Cherry Almond Danish is made with ready-made puff pastry and can be assembled ahead of time, making it easy to have ready for the oven. With its flaky pastry, fruity filling and cream cheese layer this danish makes for a perfect brunch item for Easter, Mother’s Day or any entertaining occasion.

      Using pre-made puff pastry gives you peace of mind that it will be flaky and golden with very little effort. The cherry sauce has a hint of almond flavouring as does the sticky sweet glaze and it’s topped with toasted almonds. It’s a combination I love and it’s so easy to make, giving you no excuse not to treat that special lady or welcomed quests.

      Need more ideas?

      Blueberry French Toast Bake

      Guilt Free Eggs Benny

      Sweet Orange Ginger Rolls

      Author: Compelled to Cook

      A slice of Cherry Almond Danish sits on a white plate with a fork to the side. The plate sits on a flowered cloth that is draped over a wooden tray with a cup of black coffee in the upper right corner.
      Cherry Almond Danish
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        8 1 1/2" slices 40 minutes
        Cook Time
        25-28 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        8 1 1/2" slices 40 minutes
        Cook Time
        25-28 minutes
        A slice of Cherry Almond Danish sits on a white plate with a fork to the side. The plate sits on a flowered cloth that is draped over a wooden tray with a cup of black coffee in the upper right corner.
        Cherry Almond Danish
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          8 1 1/2" slices 40 minutes
          Cook Time
          25-28 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          8 1 1/2" slices 40 minutes
          Cook Time
          25-28 minutes
          Ingredients
          Danish
          Glaze
          Servings: 1 1/2" slices
          Instructions
          Danish
          1. Combine cherries and sugar in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until cherries are soft and syrupy about 10 minutes.
          2. In a small bowl whisk together 1 tbsp of cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water. Stir into cherries and whisk constantly over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a full boil.
          3. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes.
          4. Preheat oven to 425℉ and line a heavy baking sheet with parchment.
          5. In a small bowl cream together cream cheese, 1 tbsp of powdered sugar and vanilla.
          6. Lay puff pastry sheet on parchment and stretch slightly in width and length to 11-12".
          7. Using a pastry scraper or knife cut 1" wide fingers on the top and bottom third of pastry (length of fingers will be 3-4") and the centre 4" portion will be uncut (see photo).
          8. Spread cream cheese evenly along the centre uncut 4" portion of pastry.
          9. Spread cherry filling evenly on top of the cream cheese filling, leaving the fingers uncovered.
          10. Pull fingers across filling, alternating sides as you go (it's ok to have some small spaces in the pastry). Tuck any excess pastry underneath.
          11. In a small bowl whisk together egg and 1 tbsp milk or cream. Brush generously onto pastry.
          12. Bake in preheated oven for 25-28 minutes until golden and puffed. Remove from oven to a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
          Glaze
          1. In a small bowl whisk together 1/2cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk or cream. Drizzle over pastry while warm and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
          2. Serve warm, cutting into 1 1/2" slices.
          Recipe Notes

          -Toast almonds in a preheated 350℉ oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring once.

          -Using a pastry cutter to cut fingers allows a clean cut without cutting through the parchment.

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          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Mushroom Gruyere Tart

          Mushroom Gruyere Tart

          by | Apr 5, 2019 | 0 comments

          Need another meatless option for Lent? This recipe can easily be made without the bacon. Or perhaps you’re looking for an elevated appetizer for Easter, or you simply want a wonderful make-ahead option for other entertaining occasions. This gorgeous Mushroom Gruyere Tart has you covered.  Meaty mushrooms are smothered with cream cheese and herbs, topped with gruyere and baked in a puff pastry shell. 

          It’s a simple yet elegant pastry to add to your table whether as a main course item or appetizer. I quite like it for lunch served with a green salad. It’s one of my personal favourites because it uses everyday ingredients, is easy to prepare and can be made in advance and baked fresh when you’re ready.  It smells amazing when baking and the combination of crispy puff pastry and creamy mushrooms is oh so drool worthy. 

          Love mushrooms? You’ll want to check out these wonderful recipes.

          Mushroom Herb Rice

          Mushroom Lasagna

          Mushroom Bacon Risotto

          Author: Compelled to Cook

          A baked Mushroom Gruyere Tart from Compelled to Cook is cut into wedges on a cutting board that is draped with a striped towel and scattered with mushrooms.
          Mushroom Gruyere Tart
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            8 appetizer wedges 40 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            25 minutes 2-3 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            8 appetizer wedges 40 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            25 minutes 2-3 minutes
            A baked Mushroom Gruyere Tart from Compelled to Cook is cut into wedges on a cutting board that is draped with a striped towel and scattered with mushrooms.
            Mushroom Gruyere Tart
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              8 appetizer wedges 40 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              25 minutes 2-3 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              8 appetizer wedges 40 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              25 minutes 2-3 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: appetizer wedges
              Instructions
              1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. If using bacon, add to skillet and cook until crisp and fat has rendered. Scoop out the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Remove all but a tablespoon of fat.
              2. If not using bacon, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
              3. Add shallot and garlic and sauté, stirring often until starting to soften about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and continue to cook until most of the moisture has cooked out about 8-10 minutes.
              4. Add wine, thyme, salt and pepper and cook until the wine has cooked out about 3 minutes.
              5. Stir in cream cheese, 1/4 cup of Gruyere and bacon (if using).
              6. Preheat oven to 425℉ and lightly spray a 4 3/4"- 5 3/4" x 14" tart pan with removable bottom. Fit puff pastry into the tart pan and trim the top so it is level with the pan. You will need to cut the puff pastry sheet in two pieces to make it fit.
              7. Spread filling evenly into pastry shell and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup of grated gruyere. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden and filling is bubbly.
              8. Allow tart to rest for a couple of minutes prior to removing the outer pan. Cut into wedges, garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
              Recipe Notes

              The tart can be assembled up to a day in advance and kept covered and chilled until ready to bake.

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              Affiliate Disclosure

              I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
              Spiced Banana Tarte Tatin

              Spiced Banana Tarte Tatin

              by | Nov 1, 2016 | 0 comments

              So few ingredients never tasted so good!  Spiced Banana Tarte Tatin is a simple yet stunning dessert, and served individually, fantastic for an intimate gathering.  Banana slices sweetened with brown sugar and lightly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger makes for a delicious syrupy sauce.  Flaky golden puff pastry provides the base to cradle all the sweet goodness to the table.

              When choosing to make this recipe I quickly realized I did not own 1” high ramekins.  So on the hunt I went with little success for the exact size.   I did manage to find 5” wide ramekins that were 2” high.  On the trial run however, the puff pastry did not cook thoroughly nor did it brown since the sides of the ramekins were too high.   It just ended up to be a flat, pale and limp crust, in other words, a big FAIL!

              Of course the local search continued because I wasn’t about to give up that quickly.  As luck would have it, I stumbled upon an approximate 5” x 1” ceramic dish.  The oddly purple ceramic dishes were found in the pet section of the dollar store, yes they are pet food dishes!  Judge me if you will but they worked wonderfully with their slightly tapered side and appropriate height.  Use what will work,  just be sure to they are 1” high.  The height is key in this recipe to obtain golden flakey pastry.

              I love this recipe because it’s simple yet elegant and can be put together at the last minute with everyday ingredients.  Enjoy!

              Recipe Source:  Adapted from Epicurious Banana Tarte Tatin

               

              Banana slices baked with brown sugar, butter and spices, topped with puff pastry.
              Spiced Banana Tarte Tatin
              Print Recipe
              Banana slices baked with brown sugar, spices and butter, topped with golden puff pastry.
                Servings Prep Time
                4 people 10 minutes
                Cook Time
                30 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                4 people 10 minutes
                Cook Time
                30 minutes
                Banana slices baked with brown sugar, butter and spices, topped with puff pastry.
                Spiced Banana Tarte Tatin
                Print Recipe
                Banana slices baked with brown sugar, spices and butter, topped with golden puff pastry.
                  Servings Prep Time
                  4 people 10 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  30 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  4 people 10 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  30 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: people
                  Instructions
                  1. Preheat oven to 400℉. In a small bowl combine brown sugar and spices. Smear 1 tbsp of butter onto the bottom of each 5" round x 1" high ramekin. Sprinkle an approximate 2 tbsp brown sugar spice mix over butter. Slice bananas into approximate 1/8" slices and arrange in a concentric circle over the brown sugar, overlapping each slice just slightly. Drizzle 1 tsp rum evenly over bananas.
                  2. Cut puff pastry rounds to fit the ramekin and prick with a fork. Lay pastry over bananas, tucking in the edges. Arrange ramekins on a large cookie sheet to catch any drips. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes until puff pastry is puffed and golden. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes. Invert each ramekin onto serving plate and serve with vanilla or caramel ice cream.