Asparagus Puffs

This quick recipe tops a puff pastry round with a cheesy topping flavored with asparagus. When we made Renee’s appetizer, here’s what we discovered:

Test Kitchen Discoveries

• Track down imported Parmesan for the best flavor. It costs more than domestically produced cheese, but the nutty, complex flavor is worth every penny.
• Blanch the asparagus spears until tender before incorporating them in the cheese mixture. Make sure to have a bowl of ice water in which to quickly cool down the blanched spears; otherwise they can overcook and turn drab.
• Thoroughly defrost the puff pastry before working with it. It can crack easily if too cold.