Actually, no one ever asks me that question because I obviously go to the supermarket a lot. Perfect sarcasm, though!

Moving right along.

Wondering what to serve with cocktails or your favorite soup?

This recipe for Ham And Cheese In Puff Pastry will be just perfect because it is perfection.

Ham and Swiss cheese (or any substitutions…think ham and cheddar, pepperoni and mozzarella, pesto and fontina) with a hint of Dijon baked up in flakey puff pastry is so simple, but so outstanding in its flavor. I served it in generous slabs with steaming tomato soup and also in little squares to nibble with drinks. Any way you slice it, this is one of the best things I have made recently. Look at the 195 mostly 5 star reviews over at Food Network (link below). There be a lotta love for this recipe.

Ham And Cheese In Puff Pastry

Ingredients:

1 package (2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 pound black forest or honey ham, sliced
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, sliced
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450℉ (If your oven tends to run hot, set at 425℉). Place a piece of parchment paper on a sheet pan.

2. Lay 1 sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface and roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place it on a sheet pan and brush the center with the mustard, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.

3. Place a layer first of ham and then cheese, also leaving a 1-inch border. Brush the border with the egg wash.

4. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on the floured surface and roll it out to 10 by 12 inches. Place the second sheet on top of the filled pastry, lining up the edges and press together lightly.

5. Brush the top with egg wash and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Cool for a few minutes. Serve hot or warm.

Serves 6 (as a sandwich) or 12 if serving as a snack with drinks

Recipe by Ina Garten on FoodNetwork.com

This is from Ecstatics’ debut album released back in January of this year. Fun, offbeat and sometimes moody electronica. This song is on the stranger side, which of course is why I like it so much.

“You will arrive.
You are near.
Who are you, when are
You here?”

Check out Ecstatics on Facebook and Bandcamp, where you can learn of an upcoming gig in Portland, Oregon and name your price to buy the music.

Cheers!