Preheat your oven to 375°F/190ºC. This step is crucial as a hot oven will ensure that the pastry cooks evenly and becomes beautifully golden.
While the oven heats up, lay the puff pastry out on a clean surface to thaw. Once it has softened slightly, cut it into ½ inch thick strips. Working with slightly thawed pastry makes it easier to handle without tearing.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This will also help the Asparagus Straws cook evenly.
Next, prepare the asparagus. Take each spear and snap or cut off the woody end; this will ensure that every bite is tender and delicious.
Now, it’s time to wrap the puff pastry. Take a strip of the pastry and gently wrap it around each asparagus spear, ensuring it’s covered evenly. This is where you get the delightful crunch!
Once all the spears are wrapped, place them on the lined baking sheet. This is a great time to be creative with your arrangement for that beautiful display.
In a small bowl, break the egg and beat it lightly. Brush a light coating of the egg over the wrapped asparagus to help it achieve that lovely golden color during baking.
Sprinkle the wrapped spears with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Don’t be shy; a little seasoning goes a long way!
Finally, bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
While the Asparagus Straws are baking, you can prepare a delightful dip if you wish. A homemade hollandaise sauce pairs wonderfully, or keep it simple with a favorite store-bought option.
