Savory Nut Twists Recipe, plus Variations

Heat oven to 400ºF. Coat baking sheet with nonstick spray.

Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface with fold lines vertical. Roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin in direction of fold lines until sheet is 14 in. long, 9 in. wide. Brush lightly with beaten egg.

Sprinkle with 1/4 the nuts, rosemary and pepper; roll gently with rolling pin to press into pastry. Turn pastry over; repeat as above.

Cut sheet crosswise in half to make two 7 x 9-in. rectangles. Cut lengthwise in 3/4-in.-wide strips (you’ll have 26). Twist strips and place 1 in. apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake 12 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet. Variations: Pepper-Parmesan Twists: Prepare through Step 2. In Step 3, omit nuts and rosemary; substitute 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and increase pepper to 1 tsp. Proceed as directed. Sweet & Spicy Nut Twists: Prepare through Step 2. In Step 3, omit nuts, rosemary and pepper; substitute a mixture of 1/4 cup each packed light-brown sugar and chili powder and 1 tsp ground red pepper (cayenne). Top with 1/2 cup chopped peanuts. Proceed as directed. Attach a card to your gift with the following suggestion: Before serving, spread the twists on a baking sheet and crisp them in a 400ºF oven for 2 to 4 minutes. Planning Tip: Store airtight at room temperature up to 2 days, or freeze up to 1 month. Before serving, crisp in a 400ºF oven for 2 to 4 minutes.