Pastry-Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce

Name: Pastry-Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 (17.3-ounce) box ready-to-bake puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed; Flour for work surface; 3/4 c. grated Parmesan (about 3 ounces); 24 asparagus spears (about 1 pound); 1 tbsp. flaky sea salt, such as Maldon; 3/4 c. balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp. sugar; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 tsp. dried thyme

By Cheryl SlocumPublished: Feb 27, 2013

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John Kernick

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Cal/Serv:

320

Serving these pastry-wrapped asparagus with thick, herb-infused balsamic vinegar is a simple, elegant way to revamp your tried-and-true asparagus recipe.

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Ingredients

1 (17.3-ounce) box ready-to-bake puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
Flour for work surface
3/4 cup grated Parmesan (about 3 ounces)
24 asparagus spears (about 1 pound)
1 Tbsp. flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. dried thyme

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, cut puff-pastry sheets into thirds along the folds to create six 5- by 10-inch rectangles. On a lightly floured work surface, roll one rectangle to 6 1/2- by 10 inches. Using a sharp knife, trim edges (about 1/4 inch per side), then cut into four 2 1/4- by 6-inch strips. Sprinkle each strip with 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan and center an asparagus spear atop strip. Wrap strips to enclose asparagus; dampen edges of pastry with water and seal to close. Place pastry-wrapped asparagus seam side down on prepared baking pans. Repeat with remaining pastry, Parmesan, and asparagus, spacing appetizers about 2 inches apart.
3. Step 3Lightly brush tops of pastry-wrapped asparagus with water and sprinkle each with a pinch of sea salt. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.
4. Step 4Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium-high heat, bring vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, and thyme to a gentle boil and cook until liquid is reduced to 1/2 cup, 12 to 15 minutes. Strain, reserving sauce and discarding herbs. Serve asparagus warm with balsamic dipping sauce.