Phyllo dough Canapés

Preheat oven to 376F/ 170C

The base: Thaw out the phyllo dough. Brush 4 sheets of phyllo dough with salted butter and layer one on top of the other. Cut into 12 squares. Each square would have 3 inch sides*. Prepare a mini cupcake tray by lightly greasing with oil or butter. Line the inside of each mold with the layered dough. Bake blind** for 15 minutes or till the edges of pastry become golden. Meanwhile prepare the filling.

Smoked Tuna and Cream Cheese filling:
1 cup smoked tuna,
1/4 cup cream cheese,
3 tbsp cilantro,
1 tbsp butter,
1 tbsp minced shallots.
salt and paprika (optional).

You can add more fresh herbs or green onion if you like.

Egg Salad filing:
4 boiled eggs (chopped),
1/4 cup mayo,
1/2 tsp mustard,
2 tbsp green onion,
salt and pepper
a dash of tabasco for heat (optional)
*Customize with your favorite topping. Here I've added slices of Avocado for a bit more creamy texture.

* I buy standard 9x12 inch sheets. cut once into 1/2 and then each half into 6 squares for even sized pieces.
**Blind baking involves filling the dough cavity with uncooked beans to prevent the center of the dough from rising into a dome shape. It presses the base down and cooks it in place. It does not change the taste/texture of the dough. You can save and reuse the same beans next time. I use red beans.