Happy New Year! I wish you good health, good fortune and many happy moments. 

The first meal I cooked in this year was something I can make with my eyes closed as it is something I usually throw together on a week night. So why did I make it to start the new year instead of making something extravagant? The simple truth is, I was cleaning out the fridge. But I made it with a twist and it turned out special.

Right before Christmas I bought puff pastry and the box had two sheets in it. I had used one and still had the other left over. A few days ago I bought a box of mushrooms thinking I can always use them, and in the back of the fridge there was a piece of feta. Add some onion and herbs and I had my mushroom packages.

Mushroom Packages

Note: This makes one long roll or 4 little packages

250 g mushrooms, sliced

1 small slice of butter

2 Tbs olive oil

2 small (or 1 medium) red onions, diced

1 tsp dried tarragon

1 tsp dried thyme

1 Tbs balsamic vinegar (optional)

200 g feta, crumbled

1 sheet all-butter puff pastry (about the size of a baking sheet)

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and add the onions. Brown the onions and add the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms until soft, adding the herbs about half way through. Stir in the vinegar and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir in the cheese.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/375°F. Cut the pastry into 4 squares or rectangles and divide the mushroom filling amongst the pieces. Gather the dough into packages and place on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake for 20 min or until golden. Serve with a green salad.