ITALIAN SAUSAGE WITH PEPPERS AND ONIONS

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Spinach Filling:**
– Start by thawing the frozen spinach and squeezing out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step to avoid a soggy pastry.
– In a medium pan, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
– In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach, sautéed garlic, **ricotta cheese**, **mozzarella cheese**, **Parmesan cheese**, and a pinch of **nutmeg** (if using). Season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pastries from sticking.
– Unroll the **puff pastry sheet** on a flat surface. If using store-bought pastry, it may come in squares or a large rectangle—either works fine.
– Cut the puff pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on how big you want your individual pastries to be. About 4-6 pieces should work for medium-sized pastries.

3. **Assemble the Pastries:**
– Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry square or rectangle. Be careful not to overfill them, as the filling could spill out during baking.
– Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle, depending on your cut. Press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed during baking.

4. **Egg Wash and Baking:**
– Beat the **egg** in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the stuffed pastries. This will give them a golden, glossy finish as they bake.
– Place the stuffed pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the pastries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
– Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a larger meal. They’re perfect with a side salad, soup, or as a light lunch.

### **Tips for the Best Spinach Stuffed Pastry**

– **Make Sure to Drain the Spinach Well:** Properly draining the spinach is key to avoiding a soggy pastry. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible to ensure a crispy result.

– **Use Fresh Garlic for Extra Flavor:** Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor to the filling, but you can also use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.

– **Experiment with Cheeses:** While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.

– **Use Homemade Puff Pastry:** If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own puff pastry from scratch for an extra-flaky and buttery pastry.

– **Make Ahead:** Prepare the stuffed pastries and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to serve them, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

### **Why You Should Try Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry**

– **A Perfect Combination of Flavors:** The creamy cheese and spinach filling, combined with the crisp, flaky pastry, creates a winning combination that’s hard to resist.

– **Great for Entertaining:** These pastries make a great addition to any party or gathering. They’re easy to serve and eat, making them perfect finger foods for your guests.

– **Quick and Easy:** Despite their delicious taste, these pastries come together quickly with just a few simple steps. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time and bake them when needed.

– **Vegetarian-Friendly:** With spinach and cheese as the star ingredients, these pastries are a perfect option for vegetarian guests or anyone looking for a meat-free treat.

### **Conclusion**

**Addictive Spinach Stuffed Pastry** is the perfect combination of flaky, golden pastry and a rich, savory spinach and cheese filling. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, this delicious pastry is bound to impress. With its quick preparation and easy customization options, it’s a versatile treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to be hooked on this irresistible, savory delight!