Puff Pastry Coffee Rum Sausage Rolls with Cherry Coffee Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 box (17 ounces) frozen puff pastry; divided use

1 (16-ounces) roll of Wampler’s Farm Sausage, Mild

2-1/2 teaspoons Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Guatemala Direct Trade Coffee, drip grind (dry)

2 tablespoons bourbon

1 cup cherry preserves

1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons strongly brewed Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Guatemala Direct Trade Coffee

1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, mint

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Remove both pastry dough sheets from the freezer and thaw for 40 minutes according to package directions. Prepare the remaining ingredients while the dough thaws.

  • Put sausage, dry coffee, and bourbon into a small bowl. Mix with fingertips until well blended. Measure the mixture into 16 (1-ounce each) pieces. Roll each portion into a 3-inch long roll and place it onto a plate or small sheet pan. Put into the freezer for 15 minutes.

  • After the sausage has chilled, cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain well. Wrap a paper towel around each and gently squeeze out excess drippings.

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Put 1 sheet of pastry onto a lightly floured work surface and gently roll to 10-1/2 inches long. Cut dough on fold lines into 3 portions. Cut each portion crosswise into 4 equal-sized pieces. Each piece should now be about 2-1/2x3 inches. With the second pastry sheet, cut off 1 portion at the fold; roll this to 10-1/2 inch length. Cut crosswise into 4 equal portions. (Remaining uncut dough will be unused for this recipe. Refrigerate for another use.)

  • Wrap a portion of dough around each sausage roll. Squeeze edges tightly together. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.