How to Make Pastries

Phyllo blossoms provide a delicate and delicious way to present various fillings, whether sweet or savory. Here's how to make them:

1. Defrost phyllo as directed on package. Remove 8 sheets of phyllo from package; unroll and place on large sheet of waxed paper; cover with a damp towel.
   
   
2. Place one sheet of phyllo on work surface. Lightly brush with butter. Top with second phyllo sheet. Lightly brush with butter. Repeat with remaining phyllo sheets.
   
   
3. Cut stack of phyllo sheets in half lengthwise and then in thirds crosswise, to make a total of 12 squares.
   
   
4. Gently fit each stacked square into a greased muffin cup. Spoon filling into center of each cup. Bake according to recipe.
   

   Place squares into greased muffin cup.

Another form of pastry is the tart. Learn how to bake a tart in the final section.

TipTo turn pastries a deep golden brown, brush tops with a mixture of 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of water just before baking.

Not what you're looking for? Try these:

• How to Make a Pie: A home-baked pie adds a perfect finishing touch to any meal. Fortunately, there are so many varieties of pie, it's easy to find one to complement any menu. Learn how to make a pie here.
• How to Bake a Cake: Find basic instructions and definitions that will help you bake a cake in this article. You'll learn about everything from selecting the proper baking pan to cooling and frosting a finished cake.
• Cooking: Learn the ins and outs of some basic cooking techniques in this helpful article.