These delicious cheese pastries called Sambusaks (or sambusaj in Arabic-speaking countries) can be filled with meat or cheese and are often deep-fried.  Here they are baked and filled with cheese and herbs.  They are great for assembling in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Check out how we enjoyed it in our Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24, Picnic on the Piste–right on the ski slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort!

Ingredients:

• 3 oz provolone cheese, diced
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 oz  feta cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbs finely chopped fresh dill or mint
• zest of 1/2 lemon
• extra egg yolk , beaten (for brushing)
• 2 sheets puff pastry

Directions:

1. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 22 equal circles using a biscuit or cookie cutter.  Cover with damp cloth and set aside.
2. To prepare filling, combine all the cheeses and egg yolk  in a food processor and process until well combined.  Add chopped herbs and lemon zest and process just until incorporated.  Transfer filling into a bowl, cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400F.  Lightly grease a cookie sheet.  Place 1 teaspoon of filling on one half of the puff pastry circle.  Moisten the edges with water and then fold over to form a half moon.  Press the edges together. Press the tines of a fork all around the edges to seal.  Repeat with the rest of the filling and dough.
4. Transfer pastries to cookie sheet. (Pastries can be covered with plastic and refrigerated for several hours before baking.) Lightly brush with beaten egg yolk and bake for 15 – 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

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