Chicken Vol au Vents

Flaky puff pastry shells filled with a rich mushroom and cream sauce | Nannie's vol au vents, preserved on Hestia

These Chicken Vol au Vents are far more than a simple appetizer; they represent a vital coordinate in your family’s history. This one is Nannies. In the Hestia tradition, preparing this dish is an invitation to a ritual of presence, grounding you in the slow, constant rhythm of stirring cream and cheese into a smooth, indulgent sauce. As the kitchen fills with the warm, comforting scent of sautéed mushrooms and golden pastry, the act of intentionally overfilling each case becomes a quiet gesture of generosity and enoughness.

Method

1. Melt the butter in a hot frying pan and add the diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.

2. Turn down the heat and add the cornflour, mixing well to form a smooth paste.

3. Slowly add the cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the grated cheddar cheese and continue to stir until it has completely melted into the sauce.

4. Add the shredded chicken and the mushrooms, mixing well. If needed, add a little more cream to ensure the sauce maintains a smooth, consistent texture.

5. Slightly overfill the pre-made Vol au Vent cases, as the mixture tends to shrink after cooking in the oven. Top each with a light sprinkle of paprika.

6. Place the filled cases in a moderate oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Ritual of Presence

• The Rhythmic Stir: As you melt the butter and sauté the onions, notice the initial sizzle and the softening scent as they become translucent. When you add the cornflour and slowly pour in the cream, focus on the rhythmic, constant motion of your hand stirring the sauce. Notice the shifting weight and resistance as the liquid thickens into a velvety cream, and the gradual way the cheese melts to create a rich, smooth filling—letting this repetitive act root you in the present moment.

• The Intentional Overfill: As you spoon the chicken and mushroom mixture into the pastry shells, do so with an intention of generosity. By slightly overfilling each case to account for the natural shrinkage during the bake, you are performing a quiet gesture of "enoughness," ensuring that each portion remains abundant and hearty.

• The Aromatic Wait: Once the trays are in the moderate oven, intentionally step away from the rush of the day. As the kitchen fills with the warm, comforting scent of sautéed mushrooms and golden-brown pastry, allow these sensory cues to serve as a reminder of care and continuity. Watch through the oven glass as the shells reach their peak of crispness, acknowledging this time as an "ingredient of patience".

• The Ritual of Sharing: Before serving, pause to notice the contrast of the decorative sprinkle of paprika against the golden pastry. Acknowledge that these bite-sized centerpieces are designed for a shared gathering, inviting people to connect through the act of eating together. As you take the first bite, notice the play of textures—the flakey crunch of the shell against the creamy, savoury interior—and let this moment remind you that your kitchen is a permanent sanctuary for family connection.