[Spinach]-Mushroom Phyllo Packets

As a light, impressive snack, I decided to wrap up some [Spinach]-Mushroom Phyllo Packets (page 43) for my four guests. The original recipe called for artichoke hearts (“Artichoke-Mushroom Phyllo Packets”), but a spinach variation was suggested, and we all know how I feel about spinach. They were wildly popular. The crispy crunch of the paper-thin phyllo, followed by the soft, flavorful warmth of the spinach and mushroom filling ensured that no one could stop at one single packet; or two.


I was trying to describe them to some friends later that day, after very little sleep, and the first thing that came out of my mouth was “little packets of joy.” Which describes them perfectly and caused said friends to insist I make some for them, too. The only downside: assembly takes some serious patience. Phyllo's involvement generally assures this. But the wow-factor is through the roof; so if you've got someone you want to impress, buy yourself some phyllo and get comfortable with it.


- - Ulpia, phyllo phyend - -

Roasted Vegetable Strudel

My initial foray into the book was the recipe for Roasted Vegetable Strudel (p333). All of the ingredients were easily obtainable from a regular grocery store--just loads of fresh veggies, beans, and phyllo dough. I had some leftover Great Northerns in the freezer, so I just used those.

This recipe is straightforward and simple to follow. Dice, roast, mix, roll, bake! It's a bit time-consuming for a weeknight, so unless you work from home or are a bum, I recommend getting an early start or saving this one for a weekend, or at least not a busy weeknight. From the assembling of ingredients to cutting the first slice, I would estimate the strudel took approximately an hour and 45 minutes--but remember--most of that time is not hands-on, so it's really not all that involved. The only substitution made was the use of baby bellas in place of the white mushrooms called for in the recipe.

Interestingly, the recipe states that it makes 4-6 servings and is written to make one strudel--I don't know if it was magic or what, but I wound up with 2 1/2. This is not a bad thing by any means. The strudel is as strudel should be--flaky, buttery (thanks to the Earth Balance), and full of roasted vegetable deliciousness. It's a light meal that goes great with a side salad, and would make a nice luncheon dish for company. You could easily vary the vegetables used according to what's in season and in your fridge.


--The Divine Miss V