Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

Sunday has always been Brunch Day in our house. Sandy creates something unusual that we wouldn’t normally enjoy on a typical day. We eat a bit slower and on many occasions have enjoyed a mimosa or three. Last Sunday as I sipped coffee with Chloe and perused the paper, I caught a whiff of it wafting through the house, she was using peanut butter. What is she doing? What in the world is she creating with my most favorite food? I tried to do reconnaissance in the kitchen all nonchalant like I wanted some water and she swatted me away like a petulant cat. So I waited in the living room for what felt like an eternity. I knew it would be worth the wait but I had no idea just how much. Sandy walked out of the kitchen with  Peanut Butter and Jelly Cigars wrapped in phyllo puff pastry. What? They had been lovingly dusted with powdered sugar. When I bit into the first one the peanut butter and jelly had melted but not in a hot fruit pie scald your face off way. The outer layer was crisp with a whisper of sweet from the powdered sugar. The interior filling was creamy and sweet. They are the most sacred food of childhood wrapped in a crispy light crust. They are a brown bag lunch in a fancy dress.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cigars

By: S. Boulton

Ingredients

Cut layered phyllo dough sheets into 12 pieces, about 7 inches wide by 5 inches tall.  I used about 5 layered sheets per piece, so they were still thin when rolled, but had enough heft to them to hold together.

12 Tbsp of peanut butter

12 tsp of your favorite jam or jelly (add more to taste)

Cooking spray

Powered sugar to top

Make it Happen:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees farenheit.  Take phyllo dough pieces one at a time and lay flat on cutting board (can use a bit of flour if the dough is sticking).  Spread1 Tbsp peanut butter in a strip about 1/2 inch wide top to bottom, about 1 inch from the edge.  Layer 1 tsp (or a tad extra if you choose) of jelly on the peanut butter.  Gently roll the sheet into a cigar, starting with the 1 inch edge  side and tucking over the peanut butter and jelly.  Roll up and then close the ends by twisting while pinching gently.

Repeat with each sheet.  Place cigars on lightly sprayed cookie sheet, lightly spray the tops of them. Bake in oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough begins to turn a nice light brown on top.  You want them heated through and lightly brown. Dust them with powered for an elegant touch.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cigars would be a sassy  hors d’oeuvres, dessert or addition to brunch.  They are easy to assemble, take very few ingredients and create a WOW factor that is well beyond any store bought appetizer, dessert or brunch food I have ever purchased. The art is in their simplicity and the sheer joy that they produce when consumed.

The minute I scarfed the last one I begged her for more just like an addict. I told her that she needed to make more so we could photograph them for the blog. The sinister part is that I had already thought of that when there was still one left…..but I ate it, then said something. That is how good these simply perfect little treats are. They will make you do bad things.

Have a delicious day.

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, PB&J Cigars, peanut butter and jelly cigars, peanut butter and jelly in puff pastry, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan breakfast recipe, vegan brunch recipe, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan wannabe, vegetarian brunch recipe