The experts at Pepperidge Farm answer some of your most frequently asked questions about Puff Pastry.
About Puff Pastry
What is Puff Pastry?
Can I prepare a recipe made with Puff Pastry ahead of time and bake it later?
Where can I find Puff Pastry, and what varieties are there?
What are some easy ideas for creating dishes with Puff Pastry?
I thought Puff Pastry was only good for desserts. Other than sweets, what else can I use them with?
Do you have fresh ideas for filling pastry shells with exciting ingredients for main courses or desserts?
How do I bake Puff Pastry Sheets and Shells?
I'm not a culinary expert. Is Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry really easy to work with?
About Puff Pastry Videos
I don't have Windows Media Player on my computer. How can I view the Puff Pastry videos?
The last time I viewed a Puff Pastry video, I had a dial-up connection. Now I have broadband. How can I change my preferences to get a faster download?
The picture or audio is choppy. How can I improve it?
About Simple Elegance
I would like to cancel my subscription to Simple Elegance. How can I do so?
My email address has changed. How do I update my subscription to Simple Elegance?
About Puff Pastry
Q. What is Puff Pastry?
A. Puff Pastry is a light, flaky pastry made by layering shortening and pastry dough, then rolling out and folding the dough repeatedly. This painstaking process yields a pastry made of dozens of layers. The pastry "puffs" when baked because the moisture in the butter creates steam between the layers, causing them to separate. Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry is ready to bake, so you can skip the work and still enjoy perfectly made golden, flaky pastry.
Q. Can I prepare a recipe made with Puff Pastry ahead of time and bake it later?
A. Yes, you can (with certain recipes). To simplify your day, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time, then bake as directed prior to serving.
Q. Where can I find Puff Pastry, and what varieties are there?
A. Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry can be found in your grocers' freezer. You have a choice of two varieties: Puff Pastry Sheets and Puff Pastry Shells.
You can fold and shape Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets into many interesting and delicious designs. You can roll up the pastry like a jelly roll to make a wrap, or create a "purse-shaped" bundle by brushing the edges of a square with water, folding edges to center on top of filling, twisting tightly to seal, then fanning out corners for a special creation. The Puff Pastry Shells are perfect for quick creations — simply stuff them with savory or sweet ingredients for a delicious treat.
See our Using Puff Pastry page for more info on our wonderful products.
Q. What are some easy ideas for creating dishes with Puff Pastry?
A. Pastry Cut Outs: Cut pastry into squares or circles and bake. For main dishes, top with saucy entrees, such as Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry. For desserts, top with cut-up fresh fruit, pie filling, or scoops of ice cream.
Sweet Treats: Brush pastry with 1 beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon of water. Sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Cut pastry into strips, bake, and serve.
Savory Bites: Brush pastry with 1 egg, beaten, and 1 tablespoon water. Sprinkle with herbs, cheese, and spices. Cut pastry into small shapes, bake, and serve. Use as snacks, croutons, or float in your favorite soup or chowder.
Q. I thought Puff Pastry was only good for desserts. Other than sweets, what else can I use them with?
A. One of the best features of Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry is versatility. It's great in appetizers like Nacho Cheese Bites or Parmesan Cheese Twists, in main courses such as Beef Wellington or Chicken Pot Pie in a Shell, as well as desserts like Easy Apple Strudel and Citrus Fruit Tart. See our Recipes page for other great recipes for any meal occasion.
Q. Do you have fresh ideas for filling pastry shells with exciting ingredients for main courses or desserts?
A. Desserts made with Puff Pastry Shells are simple when you use favorites such as chocolate, nuts, and fruit. Combine fresh fruits like kiwis and strawberries with fresh whipped cream, or fill shells with ice cream and hot fudge for a new twist on a sundae. For an apple pie alternative, create quick mini tart shells — use simple fillings including apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of ginger.
Main courses made with Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Shells are as easy as 1-2-3. Simply select a meat, like cubes of chicken or ham, combined with vegetables like mushrooms and asparagus, and top with cheese or prepared sauces. The possibilities are endless — just use a little imagination and your favorite ingredients. The Puff Pastry makes it special.
Q. How do I bake Puff Pastry Sheets and Shells?
A. Bake pastry sheets in a preheated oven. Dark glazed baking sheets may bake Puff Pastry faster, so you may need to adjust the bake time if necessary. About halfway through baking, peek into the oven to see how the pastry is baking.
Always bake pastry shells in a preheated 400°F oven. Do not bake shells in a microwave or toaster oven.
See our Using Puff Pastry page for more baking tips for Puff Pastry Sheets and Shells.
Q. I'm not a culinary expert. Is Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry really easy to work with?
A. Puff Pastry is just as easy to work with as refrigerated dough or pie crust dough, but the results are much more impressive and special because of the buttery, flaky layers of pastry.
About Puff Pastry Videos
Q. I don't have Windows Media Player on my computer. How can I view the Puff Pastry videos?
A. Currently, our videos are only available in Windows Media format. This player is available for free download.
> Download Windows Media Player
Q. The last time I viewed a Puff Pastry video, I had a dial-up connection. Now I have broadband. How can I change my preferences to get a faster download?
A. If you look below the video screen on the Puff Pastry video page, you will see a link that says UPDATE VIDEO PREFERENCE. Select that link to change your download speed.
The picture or audio is choppy. How can I improve it?
A. Select the UPDATE VIDEO PREFERENCE link, and change the setting to either Dial-Up Modem or DSL/Cable.
If you need further assistance, please Contact Us.
About Simple Elegance
Q. I would like to cancel my subscription to Simple Elegance. How can I do so?
A. We're sorry to hear you are canceling your subscription. To do so, simply click here or log in and select "Edit Profile" at the top of every page of this website. Please be aware that if the next issue is already in the process of being sent, you may receive one additional issue of Simple Elegance. However, you will not be included in any future mailings.
Q. My email address has changed. How do I update my subscription to Simple Elegance?
A. To update information in your Puff Pastry account, including your Simple Elegance subscription, click here or log in and select "Edit Profile" at the top of every page of this website.
Do You Have Additional Questions?
Looking for more detail about Puff Pastry products and how to use them? Please Contact Us.