Banana and Cheese Puff Pastry with Dark Chocolate Dip

Ingredients:

• For the Puff Pastry:
  • • 500 g puff pastry
    • 2 bananas, sliced
    • 50 g cheese, grated (cream cheese or a mild cheese of your choice)
  • • Sugar, to taste
    • Cinnamon, to taste
    • Butter (for greasing)

• For the Dark Chocolate Dip:
  • • 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
    • 20 ml milk (for melting)

Directions:

• • Prepare the Puff Pastry:
    • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
    • Cut the pastry into rectangles or squares based on your preference.

• • Prepare the Filling:
    • • Place a slice of banana on each puff pastry piece.
      • Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon to taste.
      • Add a small amount of grated cheese on top of the banana slices.

  • Assemble the Pastries:
    • • Fold the pastry over the banana and cheese filling to create a pocket or roll it into a pinwheel shape.
      • Brush the edges with melted butter to seal them.

  • Bake:
    • • Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
      • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

  • Prepare the Chocolate Dip:
    • In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and milk together. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second intervals or on a stovetop using a double boiler.

• Serve:
  • Once the pastries are baked and slightly cooled, serve them with the warm chocolate dip.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
  • Top with a drizzle of honey or caramel for extra sweetness.

• Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the pastry for a crunchy contrast.
• Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing addition.

Cooking Tips:

• • For extra flavor, use a flavored cheese like goat cheese or mascarpone.
  • If you prefer a sweeter filling, drizzle some honey over the bananas before adding the cheese.
  • Make sure to seal the pastry well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

• If you have leftover pastries, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Bananas provide potassium and are a good source of vitamins like vitamin C.

• Cheese adds calcium and protein to the dish.
• Dark chocolate has antioxidants that can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian
• Contains dairy
• Nut-free (unless added in toppings)