Weekend Baking: 9 Relaxing Pie and Pastry Recipes to Try
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I must admit, summers discourage me from indulging in my one true love: baking. Although I focus on no-oven recipes during hot summer days, the urge to bake is still there. For that, there is always some pie dough and puff pastry in the pantry to satisfy a sudden urge to bake. A light tomato tart, a quiche, and strawberry pastries – these are just a few of many examples of cravings that usually hit me in the mornings. As the summer days have finally started to cool down, I find myself going into the baking mood every other weekend. Here are my top 9 pies and pastries that I keep coming back to, more frequently than I care to admit.
Strawberry Turnovers
Behold! My favorite pastry this summer. A strawberry sauce made extra sweet by adding powdered sugar makes for a perfect filling in the flaky puff pastry. For a little something extra, drizzle some vanilla glaze onto the finished turnovers. Full Recipe: Strawberry Turnovers
Bacon and Leek Quiche
Quiche is basically just “tart” in German. However, I like it the way the French do quiche – with a creamy egg and cheese filling, with any other ingredients of choice. Bacon and leeks are my go-to fillings for a quiche – crispy and buttery – with a topping of fresh herbs for a mouthwatering aroma and flavor. Full Recipe: Bacon and Leek Quiche
Mushroom Tarts
These are definitely one of the top appetizers on my list. The earthy flavor of mushrooms is complemented by not one, not two, but three different cheeses. Ricotta brings the creamy texture, mozzarella brings the classic cheese strings, while parmesan brings the sharp cheese flavor. Full Recipe: Mushroom Tarts
Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tarts
There is nothing better than bite-sized versions of buttery, flaky puff pastry. It gets even more perfect when filled with caramelized onions mixed with apples and balsamic vinegar, and topped with dollops of goat cheese. Full Recipe: Caramelized Onion Goat Cheese Tarts
Mini Croque Monsieur
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While we are on the subject of the perfection of bite-sized puff pastry, let me introduce another variation. These croque monsieurs, with their béchamel and ham filling, bring a classic – wait for it – French twist to these delicious little appetizers. Full Recipe: Mini Croque Monsieurs
Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie
If you happen to have frozen cranberries, this is the best time to take them out for this delicious apple cranberry crumble pie. The sweet apples and the slightly tangy cranberries on top of a buttery pie dough give off a holiday vibe in summer, something that feels so wonderfully festive yet casual at the same time. Full Recipe: Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie
Shrimp and Mushroom Vol au Vents
Despite the fancy name (blame the French!), these Vol-au-Vents are surprisingly easy to make. All you need is a light, flaky, buttery puff pastry and some creamy mushroom and shrimp sauce poured over it. These can serve as a fancy appetizer or a light snack, depending on your mood. Full recipe: Shrimp and Mushroom Vol au Vents
Zucchini Tomato Tart
When it’s summer, I tend to add zucchini and cherry tomatoes to anything and everything, like a rolled-out pie dough. The pie dough gives a crumbly, buttery base to this summer tart, while the cheese and the herbs account for the added texture and fresh flavor. Full Recipe: Zucchini Tomato Tart
Quebec Sugar Pie
When in doubt, turn to the classics – like this easy Quebec sugar pie. This recipe combines the two loves of my life – sugar and pie. With a creamy filling of brown sugar and maple syrup, this dessert is easy to make and absolutely timeless. Full Recipe: Quebec Sugar Pie
