There's a touch of drama when guests break through the crisp layers of this puff pastry soup to have the aromas of mushroom bisque waft up to greet them. An added bonus: this recipe is best made ahead to let the soup cool and avoid creating a soggy centre in the puff pastry.

Get the recipe for Anna Olson's Mushroom Bisque Under Puff Pastry Dome

A spicy take on a traditional favourite has lamb merguez sausages as the starring role. Mint flavoured sour cream dip provides a cooling touch for those who can’t stand the heat.

Get the recipe for Giada De Laurentiis' Spicy Sausage Bites

Keep on rolling: party-perfect pinwheels let you share your favourite flavour combinations with your lucky guests. Try Parmesan and prosciutto for a salty snack alongside pre-dinner drinks, and for dessert, crunchy hazelnut or caramel treats offer a sweet finish. For a touch of Canadiana, give these patriotic butter tart pinwheels a whirl.

Get the recipes for Perfectly Pleasant Parmesan Prosciutto Puff Pastry Pinwheels and Butter Tart Pinwheels

A 15-minute version of a classic Spanish treat that’s baked (not fried) will have you adding this recipe to your repertoire. Your family will love these crunchy crullers for a quick dessert — or even an afternoon snack (we won’t judge). Don’t forget a chili-spiked caramel sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe for 15-Minute Churros

For a school lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, croissants filled with goat cheese and pesto will certainly hit the spot. Just try to keep those flaky crumbs off the keyboard!

Get the recipe for Pesto Goat Cheese Croissants

Puff pastry is an easy shortcut to savoury samosas, stuffed with cumin-scented potatoes, peas and a little chopped apricot for an unexpected sweet bite. Make (or buy) a chutney to serve alongside for a quick snack or appetizer.

Get the recipe for Ricardo's Vegetable Samosas

There’s no question that beef Wellington is satisfying and delicious, with tender beef, tender mushrooms and flaky puff pastry combining to make magic. But why not try something a little different? Pork makes a perfectly proper substitution, pumped up with dried apple rings and prosciutto.

Get the recipe for Pork Wellington, Mushroom & Brie Wellington

A mille-feuille, or a thousand layers, is a true pastry lover’s delight: crisp pastry and creamy custard stacked together and finished with a light dusting of icing sugar. For chocolate lovers, Anna Olson’s version uses bittersweet chocolate and hazelnut liqueur.

Get the recipe for Anna Olson's Chocolate Hazelnut Napoleon

Think outside the pan with this dessert in a glass. Layer puff pastry circles in a whisky glass with one of three fillings — chocolate, vanilla or raspberry custards lightened with whipped cream — and top them off with pretty icing designs.

Get the recipe for Mille Feuilles in a Whiskey Glass with choice of Chocolate, Vanilla or Raspberry Pastry Cream

Time for some fun with these takes on tradition. Make a centrepiece that will draw all eyes with profiteroles stacked with pastry cream and caramel and filled with whipped cream and raspberry purée.

Get the recipe for Anna Olson's Gateau St. Honoré

If you want true bragging rights, try making your own dough with the easy-to-follow recipe below. For the rolling pin adverse, chef Anna Olson recommends putting that pasta roller to good use to keep you — and your dough — cool.

Get the recipe for Anna Olson's Puff Pastry Dough