Athens Foods Spanakopita Appetizers - serving suggestions
 
 
 

Napoleons and Garnishes

Napoleons and Garnishes Diagram

HOW TO MAKE FILLO NAPOLEONS
1. Follow general directions below for handling Athens and Apollo fillo dough.
2. Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Layer 6 fillo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
3. Cut fillo lengthwise into 4 equal strips and then cut 8 diamonds, as shown in the diagram below. There will be some fillo "waste" (extra pieces) on the edges. (see step 2A)
4. Repeat 3 times for a total of 32 diamonds of layered fillo.

HOW TO MAKE FILLO GARNISHES
1. Follow general directions below for handling Athens and Apollo fillo dough.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter. Layer 4 fillo sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
3. Cut fillo into desired shape and size (circle, leaves, crescents, etc.).
4. Place fillo shapes at least 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet lined with parchment. Cover fillo shapes with sheet of parchment or wax paper, and place another cookie sheet on top. The cookie sheet should press onto the fillo dough. (This will prevent the shapes from curling up during baking.)
5. Bake fillo with the pressed cookie sheet over top of pan in preheated 350ºF oven for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Check occasionally for doneness.

TIPS
1. Sprinkle cinnamon, cocoa, poppy seeds or other flavorings between fillo sheets for added flavor.
2. Do not coat fillo sheets too thickly; a light dusting will do.


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GENERAL FILLO DOUGH HANDLING DIRECTIONS
1. Allow fillo dough to thaw in refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before using.
2. Carefully unroll fillo sheets onto a smooth, dry surface.
3. Cover fillo completely with plastic wrap, then a damp towel.
4. Keep fillo covered until needed. Do not leave uncovered for more than one minute to avoid drying out.
5. Microwave butter until melted. This will give you a lighter and flakier pastry.
6. Brush each layer of fillo with melted butter, margarine or oil.
7. To prevent edges from cracking, brush edges first and then work into center.
8. Be sure to brush the last layer of fillo with melted butter.
9. Fillings should be chilled and not excessively moist.
10. Fillo may be rolled and refrozen to store when not in use.