HAM, CHEESE AND MUSHROOM TURNOVERS

Ham, Cheese and Mushroom Turnovers image

Provided by Annacia

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

250 ml milk (1 1/8 cups)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour (mixed to a paste mixed with the butter for a paste)
140 g button mushrooms, cut into quarters (5 oz)
1 tablespoon olive oil
140 g ham, chopped into small pieces (5 oz)
85 g leftover cheese, cut into small pieces (3 oz)
1 tablespoon chopped herbs, tarragon, parsley and chives all work well
500 g puff pastry (1 1/8 lbs)
1 egg, beaten

Steps:

The first thing to do is to make a thick white sauce that will be the base of the turnover filling. Bring the milk to a simmer, then add the butter and flour paste. Whisk the paste into the simmering milk and allow it to boil for 3-4 mins, whisking gently all the time to prevent it from scorching. You should now have a very thick white sauce. Cool the sauce in a bowl. Fry the mushrooms in the oil for 3-5 mins until golden, then leave to cool.
Place the ham, cheese and mushrooms into a bowl, then gradually add the white sauce until everything is well coated. Finally, add the herbs.
Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about the thickness of a £1 coin (1/16 inch) and cut out 4 saucer-size rounds re-rolling the trimmings if you need to. Brush the edges of each round with beaten egg. Spoon the mixture onto 1 side of each round, then fold over and seal the edges well. The turnovers can now be frozen for up to 1 month. Brush the turnover with the remaining egg, then chill for 30 minutes.
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Heat oven to 200C/ fan/gas 6. Place the turnovers on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 mins until puffed up and golden. Leave to cool slightly and enjoy warm.