Ham and Cheese Sticks

Ingredients:

– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of diced ham
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut pastry into strips, about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long.
4. Place a small spoonful of grated cheese and diced ham onto one end of each strip, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
5. Brush edges with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Fold the other end of the pastry strip over the filling to form a stick shape, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired.
8. Place sticks on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each stick.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

– Use leftover ham or cooked bacon for added flavor.
– Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or feta.
– For an extra crispy coating, try dipping sticks in beaten egg and then rolling in breadcrumbs before baking.