Disclaimer: This is a “Sponsored Post – The Art of Cheese with Castello Aged Havarti” in collaboration with Honest Cooking Magazine. All the opinions expressed here are absolutely honest and my own.
Ho, Ho, Ho… Santa has just brought you a sack of presents! Ah, but these are not your ordinary presents… no, no, no! These are none other than Santa’s Breakfast Pouch, made especially to start your day off with a quick, super tasty treat. Happy?
Santa’s Breakfast Pouch will delight you with a scrumptious explosion of flavors from the buttery and tangy Castello Aged Havarti cheese along with gooey whole cranberry sauce — all wrapped in crispy phyllo dough that is shaped to look like Santa’s bag, and then dusted with (snowy) powdered sugar. Yummm!!! Well of course it had to be delish, because Santa brings only the best for all you good girls and boys. 😉 Seriously, this Santa’s Breakfast Pouch has it all — contrasting yet balanced textures and flavors. It is pure happiness in your mouth!
One of the reasons that I used Castello Aged Havarti is because it truly is one of my favorite cheeses — along with several other of the Castello cheeses, as you may remember from our Castello Moments Paignets — A cross between panini and beignets…
Castello Aged Havarti cheese is delicious because it’s based on the authentic Danish recipe for Havarti dating back to 1952, which utilizes traditional cheesemaking methods and matures over the course of 12 months. During the year-long maturation, a crumbly yet creamy texture takes form, as well as a rich, buttery flavor with tangy notes. I am telling you… this is a recipe for greatness, folks!
Castello Aged Havarti cheese also pairs well with red wine, pears, apples, caramelized onions, green vegetables, and many other foods. Any remaining cheese can be used on a cheese board with pears and/or apples, in sandwiches, shaved on top of salads and steamed vegetables, and so on. I personally use it in many different dishes, and of course it tastes amazing all on its own. There is just one problem that I have encountered so far… getting myself to stop gobbling up slice after slice. 🙂
Well, enjoy our recipe for Santa’s Breakfast Pouch and be happy all the while! Ho, Ho, Ho… Happy Holidays!
Santa's Breakfast Pouch
Ingredients
- 20 rectangular sheets (or ½ box) store-bought, thawed phyllo dough
- PAM to spray (quicker option) or 4 Tablespoons melted unsalted butter to brush (the more flavorful option)
- 7 oz Castello Aged Havarti cheese crumbled, 200 g
- 1/3 cup canned whole cranberry sauce or raspberry or strawberry jam
- 5 long fresh chives to tie pouches (optional)
- Powdered sugar to dust on top
Instructions
- Place one rectangular phyllo dough sheet on a cutting board. Spray PAM or brush melted unsalted butter on the entire sheet. Place a second phyllo dough sheet on top of this and spray or brush again. Repeat this same process for a total of 4 stacked phyllo dough sheets. In a small bowl, mix both the cheese crumbs and cranberry sauce or jam together and spoon 1/5 of the filling in the center of the stacked phyllo dough.
- Fold stacked phyllo dough sheets to form a pouch or sac: first fold the stack of sheets in half diagonally to join together two of the diagonal corners, and secure them together between tips of thumb and forefinger. Next, gather together the remaining two diagonal corners to the first pair and secure, thus forming a pouch with the filling at the bottom of the pouch and the four gathered corners forming the top opening or mouth. Finally, squeeze together the gathered dough near the top of the pouch with an encircling thumb and forefinger in order to shape the neck of the pouch. Ensure that no stray folds in the neck or mouth of the pouch are left hanging loose and unsecured in order to avoid spillage of the contents of the pouch while baking. If desired you can trim any excess dough from around the rim of the mouth of the pouch before baking. NOTE: It is important to keep the phyllo dough sheets that are still awaiting use very well-covered while making each breakfast pouch, otherwise they will dry out and will break much easier when used.
- Place cookie sheet on the oven's lowest shelf and bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Tie the neck of the breakfast pouch with a chive, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, and enjoy while still hot.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
These are just adorable Denise. And they are making my mouth water too!
Denise Browning says
Thank you, Chris! I hope y’all enjoy these…
SallyBR says
Lovely combination of flavors, and such a beautiful presentation! I always prefer to use phyllo rather than other types of dough, because it’s so much lighter….
this recipe has Christmas written all over it! 😉
Denise Browning says
Hi, Sally! Thank you… I also prefer to use phyllo dough for a much lighter texture. The filling is that classic combination of cheese and fruit (jam). It is a tasty yet light holiday breakfast to please both children and adults.
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
The name Santa’s Pouch is enchanting! The recipe lives up to the description, full of magical wonderful things. The melting Havarti cheese is just voluptuous!
Denise Browning says
Deb: Thanks a lot for your nice words and constant support! You are awesome!
Liz says
I adore Havarti cheese and your pouches are plum gorgeous!!! Perfect nibble for the holidays!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Liz! Yes, Castello Aged Havarti cheese is the best!
Rekha says
I love the name and the pouch looks absolutely tantalising 🙂
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Rekha!!! Enjoy…
Francesca says
Phyllo cheese and fruit are my favorite things on the planet. I bet santa loves these : )
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Francesca! Santa did love these as well as Mrs. Claus and their elves. 🙂
Gourmet Getaways says
Denise, I love the pouch!! It has that surprise element, accentuated by the cherry! Made me smile 🙂 Thanks!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Denise Browning says
It is great to know that this breakfast treat made you smile, Julie and Alesah! A real present to great people, you guys!
Raymund says
That first photo looks amazing, nicely shot.
Great recipe as well. Nice, simple and delicious!
Denise Browning says
Raymund: Thanks!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
Damn deliicous!!!
i guess i know which one made Santa had his belly size, lol
Denise Browning says
LOL…Thanks, Dedy!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Cutest pouch ever! Looks so festive! Merry Christmas, Denise 🙂
marcela says
omg ! I love 1st photo <3 Amazing! This recipe is awesome!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Marcela!