Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent














Rotisserie chicken from you local grocery store works well.

1 package (17.30 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
6 bacon strips
2 medium leeks (white portion only), sliced
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, diced
1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Minced fresh parsley plus additional ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400°. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one puff pastry sheet. Using a 3-1/4-in. round cutter, cut out six circles. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Unfold the remaining pastry sheet. Cut six more circles out with the 3-1/4-in. round cutter; with a 2-1/2-in. cutter, cut centers out of the circles. Place the rings on top of the circles that are on the baking sheet. Place the center circles also on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk egg and water; brush over pastries. Chill 15 minutes. Bake until dark golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Add leeks and pepper to 1 tablespoon bacon grease; cook and stir over medium-high heat until tender, 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low; stir in bacon, chicken, cream cheese, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until blended; remove from heat.

When cool enough to handle, hollow out pastries with a small knife. Fill with chicken mixture. Sprinkle with parsley and pepper. Serve with small center pastries on the side.

NOTE: The two sheets of puff pastry dough in a standard box will give you enough for 6 Vol-au-Vents.

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