Recipe: Manchego Bites

the appetizer:

The Ultimate Appetizers Book by Better Homes and Gardens includes recipes like Veggie Spring Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce; Manchego Bites; and Rich Norwegian Meatballs .

Manchego Bites

Prep: 25 minutes
Chill: 15 minutes
Bake: 18 minutes
Oven: 400 degrees F
Makes: 15 servings

Look for Manchego—a mild and nutty sheep's milk cheese from Spain—at specialty cheese counters. Its crosshatched pattern on the rind makes it easy to spot.

1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/2 oz of a 17.3-ounce package frozen
puff pastry sheet (1 sheet), thawed
4 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded (1 cup)
1/4 cup finely chopped red sweet pepper
1 cup shredded arugula

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil; set aside. In a small bowl whisk together egg and the water; set aside. On a lightly floured surface unfold pastry. Brush with egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate remaining egg mixture.

2. In a bowl combine Manchego cheese, pepper, and arugula. Spread evenly over pastry. Roll up pastry starting with a short side. Wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes or for up to 2 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Slice the pastry crosswise into 15 slices that are a little thicker than 1/2 inch each. Place slices, cut sides up, on prepared baking sheet; brush tops with egg mixture. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Nutrition facts per serving: 125 cal., 9 g total fat (39 sat. fat), 22 mg chol., 137 mg sodium, 8 g carb., 0 g dietary fiber, 4 g protein.

Make-Ahead Directions: Place slices on a baking sheet. Brush with egg mixture. Freeze for 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, place frozen bites on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake as directed.