Chocolate Almond Breadsticks

Today I thought I'd just share with you one of my favorite party recipes. Years ago I was a caterer and though I rarely cater professionally anymore, occasionally I'm asked to help with a wedding. I made these Chocolate Almond Breadsticks as part of  wedding brunch for a friend of mine. They are light, crispy and sweet and would make a nice addition to a dessert buffet or afternoon tea! They are so easy and can easily be made ahead of time. Bon Appetit! 

Chocolate Almond Breadsticks

INGREDIENTS

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 1/2 cup salted almonds, toasted and finely chopped

• 1/3 cup raw sugar

• 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate, finely chopped

• Butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl mix the sugar and nuts together.
Unfold pastry puff dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin,  thin dough to ¼-inch thick. Cut in half. Lightly brush one side with melted butter.
Sprinkle entire surface with sugar-nut mixture, pressing it into dough. Next sprinkle chocolate pieces evenly over surface.
Lightly brush other half of dough with melted butter and place over top of side 1, butter side down. Using rolling pin, seal pieces together.
Brush the top of pastry with melted butter and lightly sprinkle with sugar if desired. Cut into 12 strips
Take a strip and twist. Transfer to a silpat mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press ends into baking sheet to prevent breadsticks from untwisting during baking. Chill for 15 minutes before baking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool. Makes 12 breadsticks