The Best Invention
Can I just say that one of the best inventions in the world is “tube pastry”, specifically the beautiful crescent roll, thank you Pillsbury? Sure the little pudgy guy is cute, but the never-ending versatility and speed at which you can whip something delicious up can’t be beat. I will say, however, that our friends at Pillsbury have an evil streak in that dreaded POP that comes with opening every tube. You’d think after a “thousand and three” years making this stuff, they’d figure out how to not scare the crap out of you with the POP!! And, shame on all the copycats, too! (P.S. be aware that when tube biscuits expire, they can get a mind of their own and POP…I thought it was a gunshot! LOL)
Any-who…way back, I went to one of those home kitchen gadget parties where the consultant cooks on the spot (you know the one), and had my first “food ring.” I’ll simply call it that because there are a kazillion ways you can make these. I believe it was a ham, cheese, broccoli conglomeration using maybe canned cheese soup? I can’t remember anymore (hazard of eating way too many food rings in my time), but it all started with a tube of crescent rolls that you lay out in a ring.
The Ring of Glory
I’ve jammed more crap into said crescent roll rings since then, it oughta be illegal. But, it’s such an easy way to make a meal or an appetizer that everyone will absolutely love. Kudos to whoever dreamed this up…you should nominated for the Nobel Prize.
When my daughter got married, we hosted a “day-after” brunch for family and friends who’d be traveling long distance home that day. As I did my usual digging around Pinterest for something fabulous, I found the recipe for an Italian Ring that Pillsbury themselves had pinned. That has now become the #1 requested dish for every party or team gathering my husband and I host. Once again, so stupid simple anyone can do it. So amazingly delicious, you better make two…they won’t last long. Here’s my Pinterest Pin for the recipe, or you can search it directly on Pillsbury’s site. To be clear, I get no compensation from Pillsbury – they don’t know who the hell I am. But, I’m happy to promote their “genius in a tube” products. I always have them in my refrigerator, without fail.
Flat and Fabulous
Enough about the ring. How about laying the crescent dough out flat and rolling it into a single sheet? Oh boy…my mom’s veggie pizza using rolled out crescent rolls was amazing, and it’s still one of my favorite quick to make pass-around dishes for potlucks. Another cool thing you can do with the flat is stuff and fold it much like a Stromboli, the Italian savory version of a turnover. And speaking of turnovers, spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese, and a layer of your favorite fruit preserve, fold it and bake. Now, you’ve got a simple and delicious breakfast (or dessert) turnover! If you really want to get fancy, head on over to this Pinterest Pin for more ideas on how you can flatten, fill and fold this tubular delight. While the Pin shows puff pastry, believe me…it CAN be done with tube crescent roll dough!
The Knock-Offs
There are some o.k. “knock-offs” riding right alongside the Pillsbury goods that might cost marginally less. I’m sure Pillsbury is chagrined by the competition. Truth of the matter is they’re probably making some themselves (certainly not all, based on my experience), as off-label store brands. I have to say, though, they’re not always as good! If you’re on a tight budget, watch for Pillsbury coupons in newspapers, store apps or coupon apps – there’s always one floating around!
More Easy Ideas
Pie Bombs – lay out crescent rolls individually in muffin tin. Drop a dollop of pie filling in each and fold in edges of crescent to make a small pouch. Bake according to package instructions
S’More Bombs – lay out crescent rolls individually in muffin tin (see Pizza Bomb recipe for folding example). Place a 2×2 square of chocolate bar in bottom, then top with a full-sized marshmallow. Fold in edges of crescent to make a small pouch. Bake according to package instructions.
Nutella Rolls – spread Nutella on wide end of crescent, roll up and bake according to package instructions
Peanut Butter & Jelly Rolls– Spread peanut butter and jelly on wide end of crescent, roll up and bake according to package instructions
Ham & Cheese Ring – Spread your favorite mustard (we prefer Dijon mustard for these) on each roll. Layer with ham and your favorite cheese (we prefer provolone slices). Spread another layer of mustard, followed by ham and cheese. Carefully fold points in, and tuck under center of ring. Bake 375* for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Artichoke, Sausage, Sun-Dried Tomato Ring – Layer with thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, marinated artichokes that have been well-drained, cooked Italian sausage (I cook in quarter-sized chunks), fresh basil leaves, and sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed with oil drained off). Carefully fold points in and tuck under center of ring. Bake 375* for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Festive Cups – Unroll tube of crescents, and gently press all seams together to form a sheet. Cut the sheet into 12 squares (pizza cutter works great for this). Lightly spray a 12-well mini muffin tin, then tuck a square into each well with corners flopped over the sides of the well. Place a cube of your favorite cheese in the bottom, then top with a complimentary marmalade, preserve, or cranberry sauce. For example, cheddar cube with apple marmalade; swiss cube with pear marmalade; brie with raspberry preserve, etc. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes, or until crescent dough is golden brown. Remove from pan immediately; serve warm.
