Napoleons with Ginger Cream & Mandarin Oranges

Ingredients & Directions

1 package (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 package (about 3 1/2 ounces) instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger root
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
1.5 cups sweetened whipped cream
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 12x9-inch rectangle. Cut into 24 (3x1 1/2-inch) rectangles. Repeat with the remaining pastry sheet. Place the pastries onto 2 baking sheets. Brush the pastries with the egg and sprinkle with the granulated sugar.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Remove the pastries from the baking sheets and let cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Split each pastry into 2 layers, making 96 in all.

Prepare the pudding mix in a medium bowl according to the package directions except use 1 cup milk. Stir in the ginger root and orange zest. Fold in the whipped cream.

Spread 1 tablespoon pudding mixture on 48 bottom pastry layers. Top each with 1 orange segment and a top pastry layer. Sprinkle with the confectioners' sugar.

Tips

For 1 1/2 cups sweetened whipped cream, beat 3/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare and refrigerate the Napoleons up to 4 hours before serving.