Creamy Leek Phyllo Parcels Recipes

Steps:

• For the filling: Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute until wilted and very soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, and then transfer to a medium bowl.
• Stir in the soft cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Season with red pepper flakes if using. Set aside (you can scoop the filling later or pipe it by transferring the filling to a disposable piping bag with 1/2-inch opening cut from the tip).
• For the cigars: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Open the phyllo dough and unfurl it. With one of the shorter sides facing you, cut the dough in half lengthwise (you're aiming for rectangles about 7-by-18-inches long, but exact size may vary based on brand of dough). Cover the dough with a lightly damp clean kitchen towel so it doesn't dry out while you assemble the cigars.
• Make a cigar by placing one sheet of cut phyllo on your work surface with one of the shorter sides facing you. Brush the dough all over (but lightly) with the melted butter and top with another piece of dough. Continue this process until you've layered three pieces of dough. Brush the surface of the final piece with butter, too.
• Scoop (or pipe) about 1 tablespoon of filling in a line on top of the dough on the side closest to you. Fold the outside pieces of dough inward, and then roll up the dough around the filling to make a cigar shape (a lot like rolling a burrito).
• Transfer the cigar to the prepared baking sheet, and then repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Brush any of the remaining melted butter over the assembled cigars and sprinkle smoked paprika over each one.
• Bake the cigars until golden and crisp, 17 to 22 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes before serving warm.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Lay skin-side down on a cutting board or plate and top each fillet with a tablespoon of pesto, or more to taste, ensuring the entire top of the fillet is evenly covered. Set aside while you prepare the phyllo.
• Lay a sheet of phyllo flat on a work surface and brush with olive oil. Lay another sheet on top, brushing with oil. Repeat process for a total of four sheets, leaving the top of the last sheet dry. Place one of the prepared salmon fillets at the bottom of the stack of phyllo sheets with the pesto side facing up. Roll over once, so the skin side is facing up, then fold over the sides. Brush all over with oil. Continue rolling until the end of the phyllo, then place on the parchment-lined baking sheet with the pesto side facing up and brush the top with oil. Score the top 2 to 3 times to allow steam to escape. Repeat with the remaining salmon and phyllo.
• Bake parcels in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest a minute or two before serving.

Steps:

• Thaw phyllo sheets according to package directions.
• In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, parmesan, mayonnaise, chives and Tabasco; mix until smooth. Fold in crab (if using frozen crab, squeeze out excess liquid first).
• Prepare and handle phyllo according to package directions. Double each sheet and cut into strips. Brush with melted butter; add 1 tablespoons of crab filling to a strip and sprinkle with 2-3 peppercorns before folding into triangles (the method is explained on the package). Brush again with melted butter. Place in a 9x13 - inch glass baking dish. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack; freeze.
• To serve: Place frozen pastries on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until hot.