Sunday, July 31, 2011

mini peach-basil puff pastry pie


I saw the movie Because I Said So this weekend. It's all about this mother who tries to find a boyfriend/husband for her youngest daughter since all of the men that the daughter has chosen for herself have not been compatible matches.

They don't mesh.

I've been going through that.

To be honest, for the past 6 months or so I've been meeting men who I don't mesh with causing me to swear off dating.




Let me list the scenarios:

Man 1: My friend introduced us and after only 1 time together it was evident that we would never get along. Not only was he late to meet up with me, but he then proceeded to SCOLD me during a discussion. What?! Ok, bye.

Man 2: We met at the now defunct Borders bookshop. Really normal, right. Well as time went on I found out that he was lying to me about his age (22 instead of 27) and his job (unemployed instead of high-school football coach). What?! Dear God; why me.

Being 22 and unemployed is not a horrible thing. The fact is he lied to me. But, chances are if you're 22 and unemployed I probably won't date you, so...

Man 3: He was obsessed with his cat. Gross. I tried  to not be judgmental about that one, but I already have my own negative feelings toward cats so when you add the obsessive component, I couldn't really mesh with him. It was over before it started--once again.

After Man 3 I decided that I am done for the rest of 2011.

So, while I haven't found anyone that I'm compatible with, I relish in the fact that there are certain things that you think shouldn't go well  together, but they magically do!

Like peaches and basil.

Peaches and basil are perfect together. ALWAYS.

It's one of my favorite flavor combination's and using it as a filling for these mini puff pastry pies was genius.

So while I keep striking out with these weirdo men, I'll keep in mind that more often than not I'll be able to make things go well together in my tiny and cozy little kitchen. :)


I served these alongside rich vanilla ice-cream and it was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.

Mini Peach Basil Puff Pastry Pies--Adapted from O, The Oprah Magazine
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • A big handful of basil leaves (I don't remember how much I used--maybe a cup)
  • 3 whole peaches peeled, pitted, and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (I actually don't think this was necessary)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or just vanilla)
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon of water for egg wash  as well as turbinado sugar
1. Bring the water and sugar to a boil for about 3 minutes until  it thickens but not changing color.

2. Take off the burner and let it cool for a bit. Transfer it to a food processor or blender along with the basil. Pulse it until it's combined. Taste and add more basil  if you want more basil punch.

3. Take your cubed and peeled peaches and mix it with the basil mixture, vanilla,and cornstarch. Cover it with plastic wrap and let the flavors meld for about an hour.

4. When ready, preheat oven to 400 degrees, unroll your puff pastry and cut out eight 4 inch circles. Spray a muffin tin with oil and then line a muffin tin with the first four pastry circles.

5. Spoon peach mixture into the tins lined with the pastry and then take the remaining pastry circles and top each muffin cup making sure to seal them tightly. Brush tops with egg wash and turbinado sugar.

6. Bake for 25-35 minutes until golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

Linked to:
A Well Seasoned Life
Sweet As Sugar Cookies

17 comments:

  1. Peach and basil sounds like an awesome combination! Great recipe and I like your snaps!

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  2. I have never had peaches and basil together but I love them both separately. So, I know that I would love this pie. The right man will come along for you one day. Just keep yourself open to possibilities. Thanks for sharing on A Well-Seasoned Life's Sweet Indulgences Sunday.

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  3. That movie is too funny! I have been dying to cook with puff pasty. Sounds like a great recipe..

    www.cancerinthecity.com

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  4. Major attitude issues, gold-bricking lying liar, and a man who fancies cats?! Yeah, this deliciousness of peaches and basil all hugged up in puffed pastry makes it all better!

    As I tell all my neices: Now put on your bestest hair, wrap dress, and pearls and get back in the game!

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  5. Sorry about the lack of success with dating so far. You're young and have plenty of time! I've never had peach and basil together but I can tell the combination would be wonderful! These look delicious!

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  6. I've never combined peaches and basil. These are intriguing. I might need to try them soon. Thanks for the idea!

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  7. You have brought about a new flavor combo and it sounds interesting and I do want to find out what it is like. Isn't puff pastry wonderful?

    Come on over and link this recipe to Bake with Bizzy, please.
    http://bizzybakesb.blogspot.com/2011/07/bake-with-bizzy-11.html

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  8. Poor you - those dates sound horrible. I LOVE my cats but I know other people don't want to hear about them.
    As for peach and basil, I haven't tried it (had basil and nectarine together before, so I'd imagine this is good too)...this sounds yummy!

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  9. Peach and basil - how wonderful! And good luck with dating, I am sure the right person will come along when you least expect it :)

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  10. Genius! I can't believe I have never done this before but you bet I am doing this week but maybe with apples instead. My dad is coming and he loves apple pie! Wow! Seriously best mini dessert ever!

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  11. Looks like a better way to use peaches than putting them in jello. Richard

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  12. Sounds like you're better off cozying up to those little treats than you are some lyin' fool. Why have I never eaten anything peach and basil? Have I been living under a rock?

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  13. Love these mini treats! So sorry your dates didn't work out... the right guy will come along when you're not expecting it!

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  14. that pastry looks...amazing...im craving a bit of puff pastry in my life right now! gorgeous post indeed :) and your recipe just sounds so yummy!

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  15. Oh...bad dates are yuck. Peaches are good.

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  16. This looks so delicious! I know my family would gobble these up! : )

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  17. You could certainly make these smaller or larger depending on your ramekin size. My only other size is 3 oz, and that’s more like one bite of apple pie - puff & pie.

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