PHYLLO--FABULOUS & FRAGILE

By stepjo7269

Cuisine at Home–Issue 55 February 2006

Ingredients

• What it is and isn’t:
• ● Crisp, flaky phyllo is super versatile–You can stack it, roll it, fold it, or mold it. All this from a box of dough in the freezer section.
• to to to quite a reputation for being fussy and tricky to work with. But it’s only frustrating if you don’t follow the rule of handling. Here are some essentials to know, along with a few tips to ensure success.
• ● Don’t confuse phyllo with puff pastry, which is made of equal parts flour and butter. While both are flaky, phyllo is crispr and far lower in fat.
• Thawing:
• Rules of handling:
• how to start:
• to Roll the parchment and towel back, then lift a corner of the to phyllo sheet, carefully peel it off, and place on parchment or wax paper. Gently brush with melted butter, then continue layering and buttering as many phyllo sheets as you need.
• Imperfections:
• Shaping:
• to very easy to layer and shape phyllo in a variety of ways. The following is directions for making triangles and cups–just be sure the filling isn’t too wet or the phyllo will become soggy.
• Stuffed Triangles:
• Enclosed triangly packets are super simple to make using a “flag fold”. Make any size you like by varying the width of the phyllo strip and the amount of filling:
• ● Layer two sheets of phyllo, brushing butter on each sheet.
• 9x14 3 layered sheets into lengthwise strips. (A 9x14 inch sheet easily divides into 3 inch wide strips.)
• Phyllo Cups:
• to to can find small pre-baked phyllo cups in the freezer section right by the dough. But it’s also easy to make your own if you need a different size or want to add flavors between layers. Use any size muffin tin or custard cup as a mold.
• ● Layer four sheets of phyllo, brushing butter on each sheet.
• 2 Cut squares or rounds 2 inches larger than the opening diameter of the cups.
• ● Firmly press the phyllo pieces over the outside of the cup with the buttered side up. Bake as directed then cool for a few minutes before removing.

Preparation

Step 1

Note: A pizza cutter works great for cutting strips, squares, or other shapes. But a sharp knife will get the job done too.

Also: Melted butter is brushed between each layer of phyllo because it adds flavor and increases crispness. For a lowfat alternative, coat with nonstick spray.