1.5cupsartichoke hearts(try to find ones packed in oil or water, not in vinegar)
½teaspoonsalt or to taste
½teaspoonpepper
1large clove garlicfinely minced
1-2egg yolksbeaten in a bowl with a fork (use 1 to start)
Instructions
Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Take cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften to room temperature. Take out the frozen spinach and let it thaw. Helpful hints: If you forget to take the spinach out, you can microwave it in 1 minute increments, breaking off the parts that are thawed, placing them aside in a colander, and continuing to thaw the rest in the microwave. If you forget to take the cream cheese out, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl (not in the foil wrapper!) in 15-20 second increments until it's softer.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper (you might need 1 or 2 baking sheets, depending on their size).
Place the thawed spinach in a colander and squeeze as much liquid out of it as you can. Use a spoon, fork, or your hand to squeeze the liquid out. Repeat with the artichoke.
In a large bowl, mix together the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Use a hand mixer, or mix thoroughly with a fork. Taste the mixture and see if it needs more salt.
Fold out or roll out the thawed puff pastry. Cut each puff pastry sheet into 6 squares OR use large circle or oval cookie cutters to make a total of 12 pieces. Score around the edge of the puff pastry with a butter knife (use a knife to score ½ inch from the edge, making in indent without cutting all the way through). Place all the scored puff pastry pieces on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Fill the inside of the area that is scored with spinach artichoke mixture. Brush the edges with egg yolk.
Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If baking on 2 sheets, rotate the sheets halfway through baking. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Notes
Try these additions:
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the mixture.
Add some caramelized onion to the mixture.
Add a diced shallot or quarter of an onion.
Add a generous pinch of nutmeg.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon and lemon zest.
Drizzle with honey after baking, for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Or try hot honey for a sweet & spicy & savory.
Nutrition facts will depend on the brand of puff pastry and how much filling you put in each puff pastry.