Raspberry Almond Puff Bites

Raspberry Almond Puff Bites

INGREDIENTS


1 sheet frozen puff pastry (from 17.3-oz box), thawed as directed on box
1 container (6 oz) fresh raspberries
1/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 400°F. On lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry with rolling pin into 12-inch square. Cut square into 6 rows by 6 rows to make 36 squares. On ungreased cookie sheet, place squares 1/2 inch apart.

2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

3. Reserve 36 of the smallest raspberries. In small bowl, mash remaining raspberries (about 1/2 cup) with fork. Reserve 2 teaspoons of the powdered sugar. In medium bowl, beat whipping cream, remaining powdered sugar and the almond extract with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold mashed raspberries into whipped cream.

4. Split each puff pastry square into 2 layers. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the whipped cream mixture on bottom layers; replace tops. Top each square with tiny dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) whipped cream mixture; add reserved raspberry. (If desired, squares can be refrigerated up to 2 hours at this point.) Just before serving, place reserved powdered sugar in small fine-mesh strainer, and sift over tops of squares.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 8 to 10 minutes.