Finger Food for Dinner: Spinach & Sausage Puffs

This week has been filled with studying and homework each night.  Don't tell anyone, but I'm kind of happy that we have't gotten back into sports just yet... it will happen soon enough.  I am fully enjoying coming home at the end of the day and having time to help My Boys study for their upcoming tests.  When the activities are in full swing, it never feels like we have time to get everything done.  This week has not felt rushed at home- for a change.

Even though I've had more time this week, I've spent most of it helpig My Boys and making some simple meals.  I have made a couple of fish dishes recently that I hope to share soon.  I'm also working on my first attempt at a video demo of a cookie recipe I made last weekend.  Video requires time to edit and pull it all together, so needless to say it's still a work in progress.  At any rate, there are more things to come!

Tonight, I've got something new to share... do you ever want to nibble on finger food for dinner?  I could enjoy appetizers for dinner anytime.  There is just something so fun and appealing about food that is meant to be eaten with your fingers.  As it is nearly the end of the week, my fridge is starting to look a bit barren so, using a few things I bought and didn't want to have to toss out I made a tasty dinner.

I love using puff pastry to make bite-size munchies.  This time, I used a combination of seasoned sausage, Gruyere cheese and spinach to fill them.  Rather than make them all the same, I made some into large triangles and used a fork to seal the edges.  With the second sheet of puff pastry, I sprinkled the remaining mixture over it and then rolled up. 

These puffs are so simple to make and were a big win with My Oldest (the boy who used to eat everything, but has become picky).  With the addition of spinach, you can sneak in a veggie, too!


Spinach & Sausage Puffs
Source:  Patsyk

Ingredients

• 2-3 Sausage links (I used a Turkey sausage with red pepper, asiago and spinach that was pre-cooked) - diced
• 4-6 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 ounces Gruyere cheese - cubed
• 2 sheets puff pastry - defrosted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Heat oil in large pan over medium-high heat.  Add sausage and allow to cook until warmed - about 2-3 minutes.  Add spinach and cook until wilted.  Remove from heat.
3. Cut one sheet of puff pastry into 4 squares.  Add about 3 tablespoons of the sausage mixture to the center of each square.  Then, add 4-5 cubes of cheese.  Fold over and use a fork to "crimp" the edges and seal.  Using a knife, cut a slit into the top of each triangle puff.
4. If making the round puffs, sprinkle the filling over the unfolded puff pastry.  Place the cheese cubes evenly over the pastry, then carefully roll up.  Slice into 1/2 inch pieces. 
5. Place the prepared puffs on a parchment covered baking sheet.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. 

Please note that all photos and content belong to Patsy Kreitman, unless otherwise noted. If you want to use something please ask first.