What does it say about me that I have more fun at middle school dances as a grown-up than I ever did as a middle schooler?
Woodlawn’s 7th graders hosted a February dance last night. The theme was BRIGHT COLORS to avoid any romantic drama involving Valentine’s Day, so everyone dressed in their rainbow best.
I waltzed in fashionably late in a magenta and turquoise get-up, danced with a gaggle of my 6th grade students to “Fly Like a G6” (though we sing, “now I’m feelin’ so fly / like a fruitbat,” which we feel more accurately characterizes us), and filmed all the hair-whipping that occurred when “Whip My Hair” came on.
We stopped mid-dance to run outside and play freeze tag. I ditched my heels and joined the math teacher, also named Julie, as “it.” Once our feet and hands were frozen, we all filed back in for more dancing. Julie and I sang a duet of “Ice Ice Baby” at one point, showing our age.
Every now and then I’d have a chaperonely duty to perform: directing cleanup, vetoing a song or two, telling the 6th graders to stop screaming. But in general, the dance was exactly what a middle school dance should be: fun and happy. Why didn’t I have this much fun when I was actually in middle school?
I vividly recall my 7th grade Valentine’s dance. My teachers were apparently not as sensitive to the delicate hormonal phase we were in, so they thought it’d be a great idea to make the dance as sappy as possible. Everything was covered in red and pink, with hearts papering the walls. It looked like cupid had thrown up love and romance on every available surface of the multipurpose room where the dance was held. Not only that, but a table was set up outside the bathrooms where the PTA was selling roses and candy for the suave middle school boys who had come to the dance unprepared for their dates.
Someone had asked me to this particular dance. We’ll call him Jeb, and he was not my type. I told him I would go with him as a friend because I wanted to be nice, but once I arrived at the dance, the middle school social pressure overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to be seen with Jeb, much less have to, like, dance with him and stuff.
Just after walking in, I caught sight of him at the aforementioned table buying a rose for me and I booked it to the girls’ bathroom, where I hid for the majority of the night. Every now and then I’d poke my head out and watch him wandering around quizzically, looking for me in the crowd, and then I’d duck back in to hide some more. Part of me felt guilty, but the part that felt mortified won out.
Jeb moved away shortly thereafter, and I felt so bad for having ditched him at the dance. Thankfully, he returned in high school and I got the opportunity to apologize. I chalk the whole experience up to middle schoolitis, the inflammation of your social nerve. For some reason when you’re a middle schooler, it matters so much what others are thinking about you. You don’t want to dance, because what if people think you dance funny? You don’t want to hang out with certain people, because what if people think you’re like them? You don’t want to wear certain clothes, because what if they send the message that you’re uncool?
Phew, I’m so glad that’s over. And so glad that I, unlike a lot of grown-ups, have a second chance at the middle school dance! Call it one of the perks of being a teacher.
Anyway, after all that fun last night, I didn’t have much time for baking. I knew I wanted to make something sweet and Valentinesy, but it also needed to be quick. Voila: easy heart-shaped palmiers that can be sweet or savory depending on what you spread in them.
Pestos With Panache by Lauren sent me two pesto flavors to review, Fig & Gorgonzola and Pumpkin Chipotle, so I decided to make two varieties of pesto palmiers. To satisfy my sweet tooth (who’m I kidding? it’s insatiable), I also made Fig Jam & Almond Palmiers and Chocolate, Pecan, & Coconut Palmiers. I love that palmiers are so customizable that you can create a variety of them at once (the method below will inspire you to get creative!), but what I love even more is that you can whip up a batch of these cuties in 20 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute addition to your Valentine’s meal!
Speaking of Valentines — the Valentine’s Fairy heard my lamentations about not getting any valentines as an adult, so I got this in the mail from my Sunday school teacher, Joyce. Too sweet!
Regarding the pesto, Pestos With Panache by Lauren has all-natural, preservative free products. The pestos keep well in the freezer for up to two years, and the company boasts a number of zany, creative flavors.
I wasn’t wild about the Pumpkin Chipotle Pesto; it combined mild pumpkin with some heat, and it seemed like it would work better in a recipe with bolder flavors to complement it. The Fig & Gorgonzola Pesto, though, was deep and delicious, and I can’t wait to try some of the other fruity flavors. I can imagine lots of creative uses for them, including (of course) palmiers!
Would you like to win two of the fun pesto flavors from Pestos With Panache? They’d love to send one lucky commenter a sample. To enter:
1. Required Main Entry (your other entries won’t count unless you do this one!): Visit Pestos With Panache by Lauren and tell me what 2 pesto flavors you’d love to try.
To get up to five extra entries, do each of the following items (one entry per item). Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each item you complete, or you will not receive the entry for that item. If you already do these things, it still counts (just leave me a comment and tell me so).
2. “Like” Pestos With Panache on Facebook.
3. “Like” Willow Bird Baking on Facebook.
4. Follow Pestos With Panache on Twitter.
5. Follow Willow Bird Baking on Twitter.
6. Tweet the following message: “Just entered to win 2 pesto flavors from @PestosWPanache on Willow Bird Baking! http://su.pr/2diNLK #giveaway @julieruble”
The contest will close at 12 noon (EST) on February 19, 2011, and the winner will be chosen via random.org. In the meantime, make some palmiers!
Heart-Shaped Palmiers
Recipe by: Willow Bird Baking
Yields: 25-28 palmiers
Ingredients:
1 frozen puff pastry sheet, thawed (or use homemade puff pastry!)
sprinkle of flour
moist spread*
toppings**
*you can use pestos, jellies, Nutella, thicker sauces, etc.
**such as cheeses, toasted nuts, chocolate chips, etc.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface so that it’s just slightly longer, and then cut it in half horizontally with a pizza cutter. You now have two rectangles of puff pastry.
Spread your pesto, jelly, or other moist spread onto the puff pastry sheets leaving about 1/4-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle toppings on lightly, taking care not to overstuff and make your palmiers difficult to roll. Apart from my two pesto palmiers, I made palmiers spread with fig jam and sprinkled with toasted almonds, and palmiers sprinkled with sugar, cocoa powder, toasted pecans, mini chocolate chips, and toasted coconut. The sky’s the limit in terms of the combinations you can create.
Once you’ve spread and topped your pastry rectangle, grab the long edge and fold it in toward the middle. Repeat with the other long edge, such that they meet in the middle:
Now fold one side of the dough onto the other:
At this point, stick the dough in the freezer on wax paper for about 10 minutes so that it’s easier to cut. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch slices:
Set each slice on one of the prepared baking sheets with one of the cut sides up. If the knife smooshed them a little, prod them back into shape. Bake at 425 degrees F for 8 minutes before turning the temperature down to 400 degrees F and gently flipping each palmier. Bake for 4-5 minutes extra. Remove the palmiers from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve slightly warm.
Note: Pestos With Panache by Lauren provided me with 2 pesto flavors to review at no cost to me and offered to sponsor this giveaway. I’m committed to giving you my honest opinion about any product mentioned on Willow Bird Baking.
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67 Comments on Heart-Shaped Palmiers and a Pesto Giveaway
1Pingbacks & Trackbacks on Heart-Shaped Palmiers and a Pesto Giveaway
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[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by hungrybuds, Willow Bird Baking. Willow Bird Baking said: [New Post @ Willow Bird Baking] Easy & Quick Heart-Shaped Palmiers and a chance to win 2 fun pesto flavors! http://su.pr/2diNLK […]
Amanda Richard
February 13, 2011 at 1:16 am (14 years ago)I LOVE pesto! After much deliberation I would love to try the Succulent Strawberry Pesto (strawberry and basil are one of my favorite combos!) and the Fig and Gorganzola. Yum!
Amanda Richard
February 13, 2011 at 1:18 am (14 years ago)I “like” (well love really!) Willow Bird Baking on Facebook!
Amanda Richard
February 13, 2011 at 1:20 am (14 years ago)I “like” Pestos with Panache on FB.
Amanda Richard
February 13, 2011 at 1:35 am (14 years ago)Following Willow Bird Baking on Twitter!
Marisa
February 13, 2011 at 1:35 am (14 years ago)Prosciutto and Smoked Almond & Decadent Dark Chocolate and Ancho Chile…yum.
Amanda Richard
February 13, 2011 at 1:37 am (14 years ago)Following Pestos with Panache on Twitter!
Pam
February 13, 2011 at 3:46 am (14 years ago)I am such a pesto enthusiast nowadays. I had it for the first time only a few months ago after moving into my new city, and was absolutely awe-struck. Now whenever I see anything with pesto on it, I pretty much try it as soon as I can. Pestos with Panache has definitely been bookmarked 🙂
Anyway, the two that really popped out at me were the Bangin’ Blueberry Pesto, and the Prosciutto and Smoked Almond Pesto…I would love to try those! 🙂
Pam
February 13, 2011 at 3:47 am (14 years ago)I ‘Like’ Willow Bird Baking on Facebook.
Pam
February 13, 2011 at 3:48 am (14 years ago)I gave this post a thumbs up on StumbleUpon! 🙂
Pam
February 13, 2011 at 3:50 am (14 years ago)Oops, I guess this wasn’t part of the requirements, but I did anyway, and I’m not gonna take it back! 😛
Pam
February 13, 2011 at 3:50 am (14 years ago)I like Pestos with Panache on Facebook.
Barbara Bakes
February 13, 2011 at 8:25 am (14 years ago)Such a fun post. I definitely have more fun now too. The PROSCIUTTO & SMOKED ALMOND PESTO sounds like a must try.
KeepItSweet
February 13, 2011 at 8:51 am (14 years ago)I’d like to try fig & gorganzola and blueberry!
Joan Nova
February 13, 2011 at 8:52 am (14 years ago)I love the ideas of savory palmiers. I know it’s gauche to toot your own horn in comments…but I recently posted a date-almond pesto one.
Julie your middle-school palmier is as delicious as your recipe.
Suzanne @ continuing my education
February 13, 2011 at 9:41 am (14 years ago)Ooo, love different types of pesto…let’s see, i would love to try…
Fabulous Fig & Gorgonzola Pesto and Succulent Strawberry Pesto
Love the middle school story! Oh middle school, what awkward years!
Jenna
February 13, 2011 at 12:21 pm (14 years ago)Yummy yummy. The bangin’ blueberry and the fabulous fig and gorgonzola pestos sound soooo good.
Jenna
February 13, 2011 at 12:22 pm (14 years ago)I already follow you on Twitter!
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:25 pm (14 years ago)Oh I want the fig & gorgonzola and the prosciutto & smoked almond! Yum!!
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:26 pm (14 years ago)I now “like” pestos with panache on FB.
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:26 pm (14 years ago)I already “like” WBB on FB.
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:27 pm (14 years ago)I now follow pestos with panache on twitter.
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:28 pm (14 years ago)I already follow WBB on twitter. I’m @mannadonn. Forgot to say that before but I know you know who I am! LOL!!
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:29 pm (14 years ago)Aaaaaannnnnnndddddd…I just tweeted about the giveaway. Now that I have completed all required steps, I now give you permission to pick me!
Megan
February 13, 2011 at 1:29 pm (14 years ago)The palmiers look beautiful! I am so happy you get to relive middle school dances and actually have fun at them. My experiences were more like your second story… always mortifying! I don’t ever wish to return to middle school as a middle schooler.
I’d definitely like to try the fig & gorgonzola, and the strawberry sounds really interesting too!
Maranda
February 13, 2011 at 1:30 pm (14 years ago)Oh yeah. And your palmiers are gorgeous! I’m glad you had a great time at the dance!!! The most recent one that is…
Michelle
February 13, 2011 at 2:16 pm (14 years ago)I adore Pestos with Panache! I’ve tried the fig and gorgonzola and the pumpking chipotle…I’d really like to try the strawberry and blueberry flavors!
Joanne
February 13, 2011 at 2:20 pm (14 years ago)I think it’s QUITE normal to like middle school dances more as an adult than as a child. No one likes them when they’re actually going through them. But hindsight – it’s 20/20.
These palmiers look delicious! Gotta love pesto in any way, shape or form.
Danielle
February 13, 2011 at 3:01 pm (14 years ago)I would love to try PWP’s Succulent Strawberry and Decadent Dark Chocolate and Ancho Chile! YUM!
Danielle
February 13, 2011 at 3:02 pm (14 years ago)I like Pestos with Panache on FB!
Danielle
February 13, 2011 at 3:02 pm (14 years ago)I follow pestos with panache on twitter!!
numnoms
February 13, 2011 at 4:28 pm (14 years ago)I’d have to say I’d go with the Dark Chocolate/Chile and either Blueberry or Strawberry. Those sound too good. Or, you know, all of them…=o]
numnoms
February 13, 2011 at 4:29 pm (14 years ago)I liked Willow Bird on Facebook.
numnoms
February 13, 2011 at 4:29 pm (14 years ago)I liked Pestos on Facebook.
heather
February 13, 2011 at 4:33 pm (14 years ago)Fabulous Fig + Gorgonzola and Succulent Strawberry pestos!
Cheers,
*Heather*
heather
February 13, 2011 at 4:34 pm (14 years ago)Following Willow bird Baking on Twitter.
heather
February 13, 2011 at 4:35 pm (14 years ago)Liked WBB on Facebook.
heather
February 13, 2011 at 4:35 pm (14 years ago)Tweeted about the giveaway.
heather
February 13, 2011 at 4:35 pm (14 years ago)Like Pestos with Panache on Facebook.
Julie @SavvyEats
February 13, 2011 at 7:14 pm (14 years ago)I think they all look great, but especially the fig + gorgonzola and dark chocolate + ancho chili!
Julie @SavvyEats
February 13, 2011 at 7:15 pm (14 years ago)I already follow you on twitter!
Julie @SavvyEats
February 13, 2011 at 7:15 pm (14 years ago)Following Pestos with Panache on Twitter!
susitravl
February 13, 2011 at 7:57 pm (14 years ago)I would like to try the dark chocolate and ancho chili as well as the fig and gorgonzola.
susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com
susitravl
February 13, 2011 at 7:58 pm (14 years ago)I like you on FB (SusanB)
susitravl(at)gmail(dot)com
ashley cook
February 13, 2011 at 9:16 pm (14 years ago)I would love to try the banging blueberry and pumpkin chipotle pestos.
ashley cook
February 13, 2011 at 9:19 pm (14 years ago)I like pestos with panache on facebook!!
ashley cook
February 13, 2011 at 9:19 pm (14 years ago)I like willow bird on facebook!!
jacquie
February 13, 2011 at 10:32 pm (14 years ago)the blueberry and the strawberry.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
February 14, 2011 at 12:27 am (14 years ago)That looks fantastic Julie and I have a lot of fun with kids too! Happy Valentines Day! 😀
Jennifer-The Adventuresome Kitchen
February 14, 2011 at 9:35 am (14 years ago)OMG- that was my middle school experience to a T- except that I never got asked anywhere, or given anything. Thank God teachers now plan parties where kids can just be kids and dance around and have FUN without the pressure of romance. Good for you all! As for the Pesto- definitely the fig/gorgonzola, and perhaps the prosciutto/almond or the strawberry…hard to decide! The palmiers look lovely. One of these days I’ll develop GF puff pastry! Happy Valentine’s!
natalie (the sweets life)
February 14, 2011 at 11:33 am (14 years ago)you sound like the best teacher ever!! you’re great! 🙂
and i follow on twitter!
natalie (the sweets life)
February 14, 2011 at 11:34 am (14 years ago)would love to try the fig & gorgonzola pesto as well as the prosciutto & smoked almond…though really i’m intrigued by them all!
Erin Williamson
February 14, 2011 at 12:32 pm (14 years ago)I’d love to try the Pumpkin Chipotle and Prosciutto & Smokes Almond Pestos! My fingers are crossed. 🙂
Erin Williamson
February 14, 2011 at 12:32 pm (14 years ago)Oh, and I’m already a Willow Bird fan on FB…
Elaina T.
February 14, 2011 at 2:25 pm (14 years ago)I would want to try the Dark Chocolate and Blueberry pestos. Yum!
I wish our local school district had dances in middle school, my daughter is missing out on that whole experience.
Mollie
February 14, 2011 at 4:06 pm (14 years ago)Fig and Gorgonzola, and Pumpkin Chipotle sound irresistible!
Mollie
February 14, 2011 at 4:06 pm (14 years ago)And I follow you on Twitter! @eatrunread
The Poet Herself
February 15, 2011 at 1:15 pm (14 years ago)The Prosciutto & Almond sounds delish! Really intrigued by the Fig & Gorgonzola, too. What a great giveaway!
The Poet Herself
February 15, 2011 at 1:16 pm (14 years ago)I already like Willow Bird Baking on Facebook
The Poet Herself
February 15, 2011 at 1:16 pm (14 years ago)I already follow Willow Bird Baking on Twitter
The Poet Herself
February 15, 2011 at 1:17 pm (14 years ago)I tweeted all about it! 🙂
Always Wright
February 16, 2011 at 9:31 pm (14 years ago)I love blueberries and would love to try the Bangin’ Blueberry Pesto and the Decadent Dark Chocolate and Ancho Chile Pesto. I love chocolate! They all sound GREAT!
Always Wright
February 16, 2011 at 9:32 pm (14 years ago)I follow Willow Bird Baking on Facebook! What a great blog!
Monica H
February 18, 2011 at 2:25 am (14 years ago)We didn’t have as much fun in 7th grade because we took ourselves WAY too seriously. Glad you could let loose and have fun!
Your palmiers are perfect for Valentine’s Day and you’re so right about them being customizable. You could eat them for an appetizer and dessert.
Jackie
February 18, 2011 at 8:42 pm (14 years ago)I love these palmiers! Delicious 😀 Shame I can’t enter the pesto give-away (as always, sigh) but I’ll definitely be whipping up a few batches of my own when I get home so that I can make some of these wee treats! Great with a glass of wine, I bet…
Jax x
I Speak Math
February 25, 2011 at 8:58 pm (14 years ago)I’m not sure what I enjoyed more, whipping some middle schoolers at Freeze Tag or belting out, “Ice, Ice, Baby!” I really love teaching middle school!!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking
February 26, 2011 at 12:22 am (14 years ago)LOL, Julie, you rocked at freeze tag! Nice strategizing!