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Pear, Brie & Honeycomb Pastry Stars: A Delicious and Elegant Appetizer

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These Pear, Brie & Honeycomb Pastry Stars combine creamy brie, sweet poached pears, and crunchy honeycomb in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for special occasions, they offer a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, finished with a drizzle of honey and optional gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Pastry Stars:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 100g (3.5 oz) brie cheese, sliced
  • 2 medium pears, poached and thinly sliced
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Poaching the Pears:

  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Honeycomb chunks
  • Edible gold leaf (optional)
  • 2 tbsp honey, warmed

 

Instructions

  • Poach the Pears:
    In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the peeled and cored pears. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let the pears cool in the syrup.
  • Prepare the Pastry Stars:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out star-shaped pieces of puff pastry. You should get around 6-8 stars, depending on the size of your cutter.
  • Assemble the Pastry Stars:
    Place the pastry stars onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange a slice of brie cheese on each star, followed by a few slices of poached pear. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish when baked.
  • Bake:
    Bake the assembled pastry stars in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the pastry stars from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle each with warmed honey, then top with small chunks of honeycomb. If desired, add a touch of luxury by garnishing with edible gold leaf. Serve warm for a delightful treat.

Notes

  • Substitute for Honeycomb: If honeycomb is not available, you can substitute with crushed caramelized sugar or toffee pieces for a similar sweet crunch.
  • Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for a more robust flavor.
  • Serving Tip: These pastry stars can be served as a sophisticated appetizer at dinner parties or as a sweet, indulgent treat with a glass of white wine or sparkling cider.

Keywords: Puff pastry, Brie cheese, Poached pears, Honeycomb, Elegant appetizer, Sweet and savory pastry, Festive dessert, Gourmet snacks, Special occasion appetizers, Golden pastry stars.

Find it online: https://inqelab.com/pear-brie-honeycomb-pastry-stars/