Basil Pesto Puff Pastry Sticks

Looking for an easy aperitif idea that looks impressive but takes just minutes to prepare? These pesto puff pastry sticks are crispy, cheesy and full of Mediterranean flavour! I’m using my homemade basil pesto, shared in an earlier post, to turn ready-made puff pastry into an irresistible snack. Perfect for an aperitif, a party or drinks with friends!

Note: Of course, you can use store-bought pesto, but nothing beats the freshness, flavour and quality of homemade pesto made with carefully selected ingredients!

Lots of aperitif inspirations in my older posts:

• my Greek inspired aperitif guide or the Greek-style apero
• aperitif (or cocktail hour) flower
• ham ans swiss cheese bread/cake
• spanish tortilla
• tomato-mozzarella-oregano cake
• and finally, the so up-to-date Haloween fingers  

Last 2 Weeks in My Kitchen: Mexican Burritos, Greek Classics & Autumn Comfort Food

What a beginning of October in my kitchen! From homemade Mexican burritos and Italian pasta to Greek family favourites, air fryer experiments and plenty of baking, there was something delicious happening almost every day. Not unusual though !❤️

Let’s look back at what I cooked and a few recipes you really shouldn’t miss!

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells (Conchiglioni Ripieni)

I’d been dreaming of making these beautiful Italian stuffed pasta shells for ages, and today was finally the day! Giant pasta shells filled with spinach, ricotta, shallots, dill and Parmesan, nestled in tomato passata with basil and topped with melting mozzarella and Gruyère. A little effort to fill the shells, lots of flavour, and pure comfort food with an Italian twist!

And for the perfect Italian-inspired meal? I’d serve my homemade tiramisu for dessert (the classic or the kid-friendly version, one of my iconic recipes included in my latest cookbook, Vivian Is Cooking BAKING!) Given that it's the apple season, I made instead my Greek reversed apple pie that is always a smash (included too in my baking cookbook).

Next on my cooking wish list: cannoli siciliani. I can’t wait to try making these iconic Sicilian pastries! ❤️