Catherine Wheels

Crisp and flaky puff pastry filled with a tomato sauce and plenty of bubbling, melted cheese – these are the perfect little snack to munch on. And since they resemble (and are therefore called!) Catherine Wheels, it makes them the perfect Bonfire Night treat. Delicious served warm out of the oven, these treats won't last long and will be loved by everyone.

Cheese & Tomato

Makes roughly 14 {easily doubled}

1 sheet of ready rolled puff pastry

75ml (5 tbsp) basic tomato sauce or pizza sauce

115g/ 4oz Cheddar cheese, grated

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 220C/ 425F/ GM 7 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Spread the puff pastry evenly with the tomato sauce, getting right to the edges then sprinkle over the grated cheese. Grind over a little black pepper then roll the puff pastry up as tightly as you can. Trim off the ends then slice the roll into roughly ½ inch thick pieces.

Arrange the slices on the tray. Bake in the oven for 14-15 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese bubbling. Leave to cool for a minute or 2 then remove and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.

And why not try some Mozzarella & Pesto Catherine Wheels which are equally delicious.

Mozzarella & Pesto

1 sheet of ready rolled puff pastry

75ml (5 tbsp) basil pesto

115g/ 4oz hard mozzarella, grated

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 220C/ 425F/ GM 7 and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Spread the puff pastry evenly with the pesto, getting right to the edges then sprinkle over the grated cheese. Grind over a little black pepper then roll the puff pastry up as tightly as you can. Trim off the ends then slice the roll into roughly ½ inch thick pieces.

Arrange the slices on the tray. Bake in the oven for 14-15 minutes, until the puff pastry is golden and the cheese bubbling. Leave to cool for a minute or two then remove and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.

*These also make a delicious treat to serve on the side with some homemade soup. 

Tomato & Mozzarella Tart

I'm trying to work out how many different ways I can come up with serving my favourite combination of tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil! Here is just another way that I love to enjoy it in the Summer, on a crispy and flaky puff pastry tart. It makes a perfect lunch as it takes no time to make at all but you get all of the wonderful flavours.

If I have some I love to use Tapenade on this tart, but if you don't have any or don't like it then it is just as delicious with some fresh Basil Pesto or for a spicier version, my Spicy Red Pesto. Why not try them all and see which one is your favourite?!