Ham N’ Jammies
If you need a knockout appetizer, look no further! These delectable treats filled with fig jam, applewood smoked ham, and double brie cheese, wrapped in puff pastry will have everyone wanting more!
Ways to make this your own
Can I use different ingredients?
Of course! Applewood smoked ham not your favorite thing? Find a different kind of ham! Don’t like fig jam? Go with something else sweet that goes well with your other ingredients.
Why puff pastry?
Puff pastry is a rich dough perfect for pastry dishes such as this. It’s rich and buttery, just the right combo for ham, cheese, and fig jam.
If puff pastry isn’t at your store or you aren’t a fan, try pie dough. You can always make your own puff pastry, though I’ve opted for the simpler, store-bought option.
Can I play around with size?
Absolutely! I’ve found that the best size is the one that lets you double-fold the shape at the edges (otherwise the pastries will open in the oven). Beyond that though, make it a big whole sandwich if that’s what you’re after!
Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (1 lb.), unthawed
4 oz. fig jam
1/4 lb. applewood smoked ham, cut into half-inch pieces
1/2 lb. double-cream Brie cheese, sliced into teaspoon size morsels
Directions:
Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure that your puff pastry is thawed, but still cold. Typically, I’ll leave the puff pastry out on the counter for an hour before it’s pliable enough to work with. Spread it out on a wooden board. Take a round instrument (I used a metal 1 cup measure) to create a circle of about 4 - 5 inches diameter. The circle doesn’t have to be perfect. Within reason, you could cut it out with a knife. The important thing is to make sure the circle is big enough that you can add your filling and double-fold it.
Have a small bowl of water placed nearby your work station.
Place the circle on your board. First add a teaspoon worth of fig jam to the center. Gently spread it with the back of a spoon, making sure to leave room around the edges. Add a tablespoon or so of the chopped ham. (The exact measurement will depend on how much dough/how big your circle is). Then add a teaspoon’s worth of cheese on top.
Dip your finger into the bowl of water and trace the outside border of the circle with your finger, so the edges are just slightly wet. This will help to seal the circle. Fold the circle over itself and pinch the outer edges. Then fold over one more time. (This will help so the pastries don’t open while baking in the oven).
Repeat this process until you’ve used all the puff pastry dough. (You can always take the scraps and make another pastry if you have enough left over). Place on a greased baking sheet, at least an inch apart. Place in the oven and bake for 18 - 20 minutes, or until the pastries are just starting to turn a nice golden brown.
Serve on a platter as appetizers, or serve alongside some greens for a sumptuous meal!