Tortilla Roll ups and Bite-size Baked Brie

One of our sweet kindergarten para-professionals retired this past week = sad day for Yeager kinder! However, we wanted to celebrate her and the impact she has made on our lives and the kids lives. I found two new recipes to contribute to the celebration (no pictures though..I'm not sure how that happened):
1. Tortilla Roll ups
From Food.com

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 package dry ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup red bell peppers, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, minced
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional)
• deli ham or deli turkey or deli roast beef
• 4 10-inch flour tortillas

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix until smooth.
2. Add red pepper, celery, onions, and olives (if using), mix well.
3. Spread about 3/4 cups on each tortilla.
4. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

2. Bite-sized Baked Brie

From Joy the Baker

makes 24 squares

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed but still cold

1/2 wedge of brie, cold

1/3 cup cherry jam (or any flavor you fancy!)

1 large egg, beaten

splash of milk

All-butter, store bought puff pastry usually comes frozen and folded into thirds. We’re going to use these folded thirds to our advantage. Cut the puff pastry into thirds along the creases. Cut each panel into four pieces. They’ll be 2 1/4-inch tall and 3-inches wide. One sheet of puff pastry will yield 12 rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half. You’ll have 24 little rectangles that will create 12 little rectangle pockets.

Combine beaten egg and splash of milk. Brush 12 of the small rectangles with egg wash. If you’d like to make brie bites on sticks, now is the time! Place a popsicle stick halfway up the puff pastry and press in gently. Place a small sliver of brie (rind and all) on top of the egg wash (and stick). Top with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry jam. Take another square of puff pastry and press between your fingers to make the rectangle slightly bigger. Place puff pastry on top of the cheese and jam. Use a fork to press the edges together. The egg wash will act as a glue. Make sure to seal the edges well by crimping with the fork.

Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place prepared brie bites on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with a touch of coarsely ground sea salt. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Brie bites are best served warm, but are also delicious at room temperature.