Spanikopita Cups

Here's an easy appetizer that delivers the great taste of spanikopita without all the work. the recipe calls for puff pastry (and it's delicious), but I might try pre-made phyllo cups next time fo an even truer take on spanikopita.


Spanikopita Cups
Makes 24 appetizers.


1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup feta cheese
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 sheets puff pastry, thawed


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


Cut twelve 2 1/2 inch rounds from each puff pastry sheet; prick each with a fork. Press into a mini-muffin pan.


Heat olive oil in medium skillet. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in spinach, feta and pepper. Fill puff pastry shells with spinach mixture.


Bake at 375 degrees until golden, about 20 minutes.


Food/Wine Pairing: I served this at a wine dinner paired with an Italian sparkling wine, Zardetto Prosecco. I think the toastiness of sparklers (especially true Champagne) is great with any appetizer involving puff pastry. Try it and see.