Creamy Cashew Chicken Puffs (Vols-au-Vents)

Instructions

Puff Pastry Shells

1. Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package directions. Preheat oven to 400º. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll each sheet of dough into a rectangle approximately 11"x 8". Using a 3.5" round cookie cutter cut 6 large circles in each sheet.
3. Inside 6 of the circles, using a 2.5" round cookie cutter, cut a hole in the middle to make rings. The rings will become the sides of the vols-au-vent and the solid rounds will be the bottoms.
4. Mix together egg and tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Put the solid bottom rounds on baking sheet. Brush the bottom rounds lightly with egg wash. Top each bottom round with a ring and press gently into place. Brush the top of the rings lightly with egg wash. Prick the center of the shells with a fork. Place shells in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Gouda Cream Sauce

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour. Cook over low heat, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Slowly add half and half, stirring constantly until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in Gouda slices until smooth and creamy.
3. Add additional half and half if necessary to thin sauce to desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Cashew Chicken

1. In large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and cook cashews until lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cashews from pan and set aside.
2. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add chicken and onions, sauté stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and onions are tender.
3. Add water, broccoli, and rosemary. Cover and cook until broccoli is tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Add toasted cashews and 1/2 cup Gouda Cream Sauce. Stir to combine.

To assemble Creamy Cashew Chicken Puffs:

1. Make puff pastry shells and put in the refrigerator to chill. Bake shells 15–20 minutes until they have risen and are golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and prick the center of the shells to deflate center. Spoon Creamy Cashew Chicken into shells and drizzle with remaining Gouda Cream Sauce. Serve immediately.