How can I store leftover puff pastry or make it more durable?
I am going to be attempting a recipe for tarts which use shop-bought puff pastry. I am fairly new to baking and this will be the first time I am using puff pastry. I am unsure what I can do with the remainder of the puff pastry once I have cut the circles that I need.
Can I just squash the piece together and stick it in the fridge for another time? Should I just bake them along with the tarts to use them up? Will they need to be thrown away?
My concern is the butter in the pastry and the fact that it will have warmed up by my rolling and handling and what impact that will have on subsequent use.
Best Answer
No, you probably don't want to just squish leftover puff pastry dough together to save it. While it would be perfectly safe, it would ruin the layering that gives the rise and flakiness that is the reason for using puff pastry.
If you have a large enough section still intact, you could put in the refrigerator for a day or two, to use later.
Otherwise, a typical thing to do would be to prepare sweet or savory snacks with the surplus pieces. Cut it into convenient shapes. If you have large enough pieces, sticks would be good, even twisting them to give them an interesting texture.
Then, brush the pieces with butter (or oil), and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar; or grated Parmesan cheese; or rosemary and salt; or some other complimentary flavor.
Bake the pieces up until they are puffed and golden brown and they are very nice snacks or treats.
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Quick Answer about "How can I store leftover puff pastry or make it more durable?"
Place the leftover puff pastry sheets back in the cellophane wrapping, making sure they do not touch each other directly and cut off any excess wrapping. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap so they don't dry out. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.How do you store leftover puff pastry?
Puff Pastry should be eaten within a few hours of baking. Keep filled and prepared pastry in the fridge, covered in plastic wrap, until you're ready to bake and serve.How do you keep puff pastry from getting soggy?
Brush the BottomCoating the surface of the bottom crust will create a barrier to prevent sogginess. Adding a layer of corn syrup or a slightly beaten egg white before pouring in the filling will form a seal between the pie dough and the filling and will help make the crust crisp and flaky.How long will puff pastry last in the fridge?
Thawed puff pastry can keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure you thaw your puff pastry well before using it.Can you make puff pastry in advance?
Can I prepare a recipe made with Puff Pastry ahead of time and bake it later? Yes, you can (with certain recipes). To simplify your day, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time, then bake as directed prior to serving.How to make quick flaky pastry
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Answer 2
If you want to try to merge bits of layered dough to make large enough to use for something other than small bits, you should try to maintain the directions of the layers.
It won't be quite the same quality, but you can place bits edges together in two layers (top layer to cover any gaps in the bottom layer, then roll it out.
Answer 3
as long as you stack the layers and don't ball them up, the strata of flour and butter won't be compromised. it will still puff. you can roll out the irregular pieces and cut them into strips for cheese or cinnamon sticks. or make irregular palm leaves, sprinkled liberally with sugar.
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