Puff Pastry

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr Don't use water-packed tuna for this recipe — it's too bland for the filling. Tuna packed in olive oil, however, will make for empanaditas that taste genuine. Especially with a glass of Fino Sherry.

Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 1/4 hr

The sauce is reminiscent of that sentimental summertime favorite, the 50/50 Bar.

Camembert aux Noix Amuse-Bouches Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 50 min

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

For this easy appetizer, you'll remove the top rind of the wheel of Brie, then top with a juicy mix of raspberry preserves, raspberries, and fresh rosemary. Wrapping and baking in store-bought puff pastry makes the combination elegant, gooey, and crisp. If you're looking for more Brie cheese inspiration, check out our gallery of Brie recipes.

A French classic gets a little twist from Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro in New York.

This comforting dish is infused with the flavors of a traditional bouquet garni enhanced by celery leaves, and the filling of the pie is more brothy than that of most versions.

Pastéis de Nata These tarts are best when baked in 1/3-cup muffin cups. However, since many manufacturers have increased the size of their standard tins, we also tested the tarts in 1/2-cup muffin cups. In those cups, the pastry dough doesn't reach the tops, resulting in rather squat tarts.

Offer these as a starter or as a light lunch with a salad of greens tossed in vinaigrette.

Puff pastry as strudel dough is even faster and more convenient than phyllo dough. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt is great alongside.

Use store-bought puff pastry and raspberry jam for this speedy version of the classic French jalousie tart.

Using purchased puff pastry as a crust gets these simple and sensational tarts ready in no time.