Coming up with a Thanksgiving main course menu is pretty simple: Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, some vegetables and some pies for dessert. The hard part I think often lies in choosing some appetizers that are satisfying (while not being too heavy) and don't take too much time to prepare (you have enough to do that day!). So for the next few days I'll share with you some of my favorite simple Thanksgiving appetizers most of which can be prepared ahead of time.
First up is an old standby: puff pastry pinwheels. These pinwheels are made using Rosemary flavored ham (I used Boar's Head brand) and mild cheddar cheese. Try if you can to find the Rosemary Ham-the flavor is wonderful. But if you are unable to find it, just use your favorite ham and perhaps add some chopped fresh rosemary sprinkled over the ham and cheese.
To prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, roll the pastry around the ham and cheese, then wrap in plastic wrap; slice just before cooking.
While I like the simplicity of just the salt and pepper, some other ideas to coat the pastry would be poppy seeds, sesame seeds or fresh herbs.
If salt is an issue-replace the Rosemary Ham with low sodium ham and add chopped Rosemary in place of the salt.
Rosemary Ham and Cheddar Spirals
2 sheets of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, thawed
2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 thin slices of Rosemary Ham
8 thin slices cheddar cheese (from the deli)
8 thin slices cheddar cheese (from the deli)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll pastry out on a lightly floured surface to smooth any seams from folding. Sprinkle the pepper and salt over the pastry and using a rolling pin, press the salt and pepper into one side of the pastry.
Arrange the ham and cheese in an even layer on the unsalted/peppered side of the pastry.
Roll the pastry around the filling. Using a sharp knife slice the roll into 1/2 inch thick slices.
Arrange the slices on the lined baking sheets. 
Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.Yield: about 48 spirals
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17 comments:
These are fantastic, what a great and simple idea for Thanksgiving. I need some simple and yummy things to get me through the Holidays.
Most excellent! I'm going to give these a try. They look like they took hours to do, but the recipe looks super easy.
What a great idea. We've been stuck on what to have for an appetizer. And, I LOVE that ham. We moved 2 years ago and I can't seem to find it in our local stores!
I love rosemary ham. Trader Joe's usually has the Citterio brand. I am looking forward to your appetizers. They are my favorite.
Thanks ladies...they're also very good with thinly sliced chicken breast with a bit of finely chopped rosemary or thyme-I know some people just don't like ham.
I haven't seen rosemary ham and we usually buy Boar's Head at the deli counter. Veronica, these look wonderful and I will try them for Christmas since I'm not going to be home next Thursday :( I am so excited about this!
Wow these look fantastic!
Those look really yummy! Thanks :)
They look great. What a neat idea and great appetizer!!!
It just sounds so Thanksgiving-y!
Oh Veronica, those look great. I seem to be on the same page with you...coming up with appetizers that are not too filling until the big meal is ready. Can't wait to see what other ones you will come up with.
My family would be over the moon with this! They look amazing!
once again we see the magic of puff pastry in all its glory. these look fantastic. :)
I love the presentation on this.
Thanks for another great appetizer idea!
how clever! I must steal this one for Christmas time.
Holy moses! That sounds amazing... and right up my husband's alley! He'd love these!
~Cat
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