Festive Savoury Turnovers - Day 18

With the festive season fast approaching, there's a delightful culinary treat that promises to add warmth and joy to any gathering: the savoury turnover. These delicious pastries, filled with a variety of ingredients, are incredibly versatile and can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you are planning a festive party or simply want to enjoy a cosy evening at home, savoury turnovers are an excellent choice.

The beauty of these turnovers lies in their simplicity and the endless possibilities for personalisation. From the flaky puff pastry to the rich and flavourful fillings, every bite offers a taste of comfort and indulgence. You can fill them with classic combinations such as spinach and feta or get creative with your own unique mixtures. But for my festive twist on these delightful treats the golden puff pastry will be filled with cranberry sauce, stuffing, bacon, brie and sausage.

Savoury turnovers are also a fantastic way to utilise leftovers, making them an economical option as well. They can be served as appetisers, snacks, or even a main course, depending on the size and filling. This flexibility makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal holiday dinners.

In addition to being delicious, savoury turnovers are relatively easy to make, even for those who may not consider themselves experienced in the kitchen. Using ready-made puff pastry can save time and effort, allowing you to focus on crafting a delightful filling that will impress your guests. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that embodies the spirit of the season and brings joy to your festive celebrations.

To make these festive savoury turnovers, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Ready-made puff pastry (or ingredients to make your own)
• Bacon
• Ready made stuffing of your choice (I used traditional sage and onion)
• Brie
• Cranberry Sauce
• Sausage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Egg, beaten (for brushing)

Consider these ingredient substitutions to tailor the recipe:

• Replace brie with cheddar or camembert for a different flavour profile.
• Swap bacon for turkey.
• Use mushrooms or roasted peppers in place of poultry for a vegetarian option.
• Experiment with various herbs and spices, such as nutmeg or thyme, to add depth to the filling.

These substitutions allow for versatility, catering to different dietary preferences and taste variations.

To achieve the best results, ensuring your puff pastry is handled correctly is essential.

For those opting to make their own pastry:

Homemade Pastry

1. Start by combining flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

If you choose ready-made puff pastry, let it thaw at room temperature for around 20-30 minutes before use. This allows it to become pliable and easier to work with.

When rolling out the pastry, keep it cool to prevent it from becoming too soft and sticky. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. This prevents the pastry from sticking and ensures an even thickness. Roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick, maintaining an even pressure to avoid tearing.

Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to cut the pastry into your desired shapes. Clean edges help to achieve a professional-looking finish and prevent the pastry from becoming unevenly baked. If you notice the pastry becoming too soft while working with it, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.

Remember, handling the pastry gently is key to keeping its layers intact. Avoid stretching or overworking it, as this can cause it to lose its flakiness.

For added flavour, you can brush the pastry with beaten egg before filling and folding. This not only helps seal the edges but also gives the turnovers a beautiful golden sheen once baked.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.

2. Begin by rolling out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the pastry into squares or circles based on your preferred turnover shape. Take care to make clean cuts to ensure an even bake.
3. Next place a heaped spoon of cranberry sauce onto the pasty and smooth over the centre of the pastry square going from corner to corner.

4. Place a slight squashed sausage sized piece of ready made stuffing on top of the cranberry base and top that with a slice of brie.
5. Now add a piece of bacon on top of the filling and finish off with half a sausage. Make sure to leave a border around the edges. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can cause the turnovers to burst during baking.

For a twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair. You might also incorporate a bit of cream cheese for a richer texture. Using leftover roasted vegetables from a previous festive dinner can also provide a unique and waste-conscious filling option.

6. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or half-circle shape, pressing the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.

7. For an extra touch, you can crimp the edges decoratively with the tines of the fork. This not only ensures a tight seal but also adds a charming finish to your turnovers. If the pastry becomes too soft while working, place it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
8. Brush the pastry edges with a little beaten egg before sealing to help them adhere better and give a more golden colour once baked.

9. Once all the turnovers are assembled, transfer them carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for puffing up in the oven.

For a beautiful golden finish, follow these simple baking steps:

10. Arrange the assembled turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for puffing up in the oven. Brush the tops with beaten egg to encourage a golden colour and a glossy finish.
11. Bake the turnovers for 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye on them as they puff up and turn golden. The pastry should be crisp and well-risen, indicating that they are ready to be removed from the oven.

12. Once baked, let the turnovers cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving platter. For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative plate or board, perhaps garnished with some fresh herbs or edible flowers to enhance the presentation.

These savoury turnovers pair wonderfully with a tangy tomato relish, which adds a nice contrast to the richness of the filling. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream or a creamy dip can also complement the turnovers beautifully.

Serving them alongside a fresh green salad can turn these delightful pastries into a more substantial meal, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the turnovers.

By adhering to these straightforward baking and presentation tips, you can ensure your festive savoury turnovers not only taste delicious but also look inviting and appetising, ready to impress your guests at any holiday gathering.

Tips For Preserving & Reheating

To keep your savoury turnovers fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips:

Once the turnovers have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within a few days, store the container in the fridge where they will remain fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, arrange the turnovers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be kept for up to a month.

When you're ready to enjoy your turnovers again, proper reheating will ensure they retain their crispy texture and rich flavour. Avoid using a microwave, as this can make the pastry soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the pastry has regained its crispiness. If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

For an added touch, you can brush the turnovers with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before reheating to enhance their golden finish. Serve them warm, paired with your favourite dips or accompaniments, and enjoy the same delicious taste as when they were freshly baked.

These simple preservation and reheating techniques will help you make the most of your festive savoury turnovers, ensuring that every bite remains as delightful as the first.

If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

*Chefs Kiss*