• FIG PALMIERS •

I love palmiers, however, I'm more familiar calling them orejas.  Growing up I would go to the panaderia {Mexican bakery} where I would always order orejas; basically a Mexican version of a palmier.

So, when Caitlin and I were discussing what our next recipe would be, we decided on a fig spread. I  love figs {it must be my Greek heritage}, and I thought the spread would be a perfect filling for a palmier.

The most complicated thing about making a palmier is perfecting the puff pastry;  the puff pastry is like pie crust, in other words, it has to be good. I decided to use a good, all-natural frozen puff pastry from Trader Joe's {five ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, butter, water}. I recommend this puff pastry if you can find it; and if you're short on time or a less than confident baker.  It is buttery, but not overly so, and extremely flaky.  

One thing I think you'll be surprised at, is how quick and easy palmiers are to make {especially if you are using frozen pastry}.  You can fill them or not. You can make them savory if you choose and omit the sugar; and instead mix in some feta and crushed walnuts with the fig spread.

Ok, now back to the recipe, first things, first...you have to make the fig spread.  It is super simple: figs, honey, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and vanilla.  

Next, you roll out the puff pastry onto a clean work surface that's been sprinkled with sugar; spread your fig mixture, sprinkle extra sugar and cinnamon, roll up on each side until it meets in the middle.  You have to chill the rolled up dough for about an hour or until firm.  Then, slice it and get ready to bake.

 Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 - 20 minutes.  Remember to rotate the pan halfway through baking in order for them to puff up perfectly golden brown.  

Once they're done, you'll be sure to impress; I was impressed with myself actually.  If you're a baking purist, and want to make the puff pastry, Martha Stewart {of course} has a good recipe you can use.  Just click here for the link.   Somedays, you just have to indulge and have a cookie!

I like tea, and I think the tea of your choice would be great with these light and flaky cookies. I  decided on a vanilla chai latte. Heavenly! 

Here are few of the songs that were shuffling on my iPod as I baked (an eclectic, but  good mix to bake to):
1)  Elbow:  One Day Like This
2)  The Pretenders:  Back On The Chain Gang
3)  Otis Redding: I've Been Loving You Too Long
4)  Black Sabbath:  Changes
5)  Julieta Venegas:  El Presente

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