Soppressata Cheese Sticks

• FAST
• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 4 ounces sliced soppressata or other spiced Italian salami, chopped
2. 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino cheese
3. 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons water
5. 1 pound puff pastry, preferably all-butter, chilled
6. 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
7. 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

1. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. In a food processor, work the soppressata with the Pecorino, mustard and water to a fine paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry 1/8 inch thick. Spread the soppressata paste evenly over the bottom half of the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border on the sides. Fold the top half of the dough over to cover the paste and press the edges to seal. Using a rolling pin, lightly press the top and bottom together. Slide the puff pastry onto a lined baking sheet and chill until firm.
3. Roll out the pastry a scant 1/8 inch thick and cut into 3 long 6-inch wide strips. Working with 1 strip at a time and keeping the others refrigerated, trim the pastry to a neat rectangle. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with one-third of the sesame seeds. Cut the dough crosswise into 3/4-inch-wide sticks and arrange them 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until chilled.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°. Bake the soppressata sticks for about 16 minutes, or until golden and crisp, shifting the pans halfway through baking. Serve warm or at room temperature.