Cook up a storm this CNY #4: Cheesy Bak Kwa Twists
Another of our fave snacks during Chinese New Year is bak kwa, sometimes called traditional hand-made sliced or minced pork BBQ or jerky. It seems it's one of those bites that both adults and children just can't get enough of.
But here's a tantalising twist if you don't want to munch on those slices straight from the packet.
In her book, The Domestic Goddess Wannabe Bakes, author Diana Gale has come up with a different version of this snack that blends this traditional with the trendy: Cheesy Bak Kwa Twists—fluffy, cheesy pastry with bak kwa in between.
And it's a recipe that children and do with mum and dad. “My kids love baking these with me," says Diana. "They like grabbing the ends of the pastry tips and twisting them into spirals. They're so easy and quick to make for something that looks so pretty and oh-so-irresistibly moreish!”
A culinary instructor for over two decades, Diana is no stranger to the challenges in baking. With the entire baking process broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, The Domestic Goddess Wannabe Bakes, is a collection of straightforward yet creative recipes that novice and seasoned bakers can attempt.
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This recipe makes 24 cheesy bak kwa twists
What you need
Ready-rolled puff pastry (thawed if frozen), 4 sheets
Butter, melted and cooled, 30g
Colby or Monterey Jack cheese, grated 70g
Bak kwa (finely diced), 50g
Dried parsley, 1 tsp
Cooking oil spray
A large baking tray, greased and lined
How to make
Preheat the oven to 220℃/425℉/Gas Mark 7.
Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface, and brush it with butter. Evenly scatter over one-quarter of the cheese, bak kwa and dried parsley and press the toppings gently into the pastry. Repeat with the other pastry sheets.
Cut each pastry sheet widthways into 6 strips, making 24 in total. Take an end of each strip and carefully turn it one way to make a twist.
Arrange the twists on the baking tray, spray lightly with oil and bake for about 12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up. Cool on the tray for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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