Pastry pigs, aka pigs in fancy blankets

The oven is good for more than just cookies this time of year. Warm appetizers are a key component of any appetizer array, so this week we’ll focus on the puffs, crisps and other savories that come out of the oven to warm our hearts.

Fittingly, we’ll start at the beginning: glorified pigs in a blanket. Actually, these are glorious pigs in a blanket, elevated from their football-party pedestrian status by puff pastry. I first made these when book group read “The Great Gatsby” about the time the most recent movie came out, and was looking for some book-related fare. The Internet was awash with suggestions for throwing an over-the-top “Gatsby” party (hint: throw away your credit rating first if you plan to do it up right). I settled for these delightful little bundles, done as the Fitzgerald quote says, until bewitched to a dark gold:

"On buffet tables, garnished with glistening hors-d'oeuvre, spiced baked hams crowded against salads of harlequin designs and pastry pigs and turkeys bewitched to a dark gold."

Pastry pigs

Source: This recipe was one of several created by caterer Lori Goldsby, as featured in the Indianapolis Star as part of a Gatsby-themed party menu.

Ingredients

1 package cocktail wieners

1 package puff pastry

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, divided (or coarse or brown)

1 egg beaten with

1 tablespoon cream or half and half

Method

Thaw pastry in refrigerator. Drain wieners well or you’ll have soggy dogs. Place on paper towels and allow to dry out for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Smooth out fold marks of one pastry sheet. Spread half the mustard over the top. Cut in half lengthwise. Then cut crosswise into long strips that are just a bit smaller than the width of the wieners so the ends will stick out slightly. Roll up around wieners, pressing to seal the cut edge. Repeat with second pastry sheet. Place rolled-up wieners on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg-cream wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes until you’ve reached that “bewitched” golden state.

Note: The recipe says it serves 6. I'd say those are pretty generous servings, particularly if you have a lot of other offerings. But if you do wind up with any leftover, they actually reheat OK.