Fun Fish Pastries

Name: Fun Fish Pastries
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings (2-1/2 cups sauce).
Ingredients: 1 can (6 ounces) lump crabmeat, drained, or light tuna in water; 1 large egg yolk; 1/8 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese; PASTRY:; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shortening; 1/3 cup tomato juice; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ASSEMBLY:; 1 large egg white, beaten; 1 slice part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1 pitted ripe olive, chopped; Curly endive and fresh blueberries, optional; SAUCE:; 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup, undiluted; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup 2% milk; 1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained

Kids and grown-ups alike will be hooked on these crab-stuffed pastries with their deliciously fishy shape. The knife-and-fork sandwiches are fun to dip into the cheesy sauce.—Mary Balkavich, Tyrone, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

1 can (6 ounces) lump crabmeat, drained, or light tuna in water
1 large egg yolk
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
PASTRY:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening
1/3 cup tomato juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
ASSEMBLY:
1 large egg white, beaten
1 slice part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 pitted ripe olive, chopped
Curly endive and fresh blueberries, optional
SAUCE:
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup or cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup 2% milk
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the crab, egg yolk, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. Stir in cheese; set aside.
For pastry, in a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 times.
Divide dough into 22 equal pieces. Pat or roll each piece into a 4-in. circle, 1/4-in. thick.
Place eight circles among two greased baking sheets. Place a heaping tablespoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
For fins and tails, cut six circles into fourths. Cut lines into each curved side. Place two fins and a tail on each circle on baking sheets, attaching with water. Press onto circles.
In the remaining eight circles, cut scale shapes into bodies using the small end of a pastry bag coupler. Brush edges with water and place over filling; press to seal. Brush tops of pastries with egg white.
Bake at 400° for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. For eyes, cut small circles out of mozzarella using the coupler; place on hot pastries with a piece of olive in the center for pupils. Garnish plates with endive and blueberries if desired.
In a small saucepan, combine sauce ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is melted. Serve with pastries.

Nutrition Facts

1 fish pastry with 5 tablespoons sauce: 537 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

Originally published as Fun Fish in Country Woman February/March 2013