What are good pastry fillings?

Sweet Pastry Fillings:

Classic and Traditional:

* Fruit: Apple, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, peach, plum, apricot, blackberry

* Cream: Pastry cream, custard, whipped cream, lemon curd, vanilla bean filling

* Chocolate: Ganache, chocolate mousse, chocolate hazelnut spread, chocolate pudding

* Nuts: Almond paste, Nutella, peanut butter, pecan praline, pistachio paste

* Cheese: Cream cheese, ricotta cheese, goat cheese

* Spice: Pumpkin, gingerbread, cinnamon swirl

Unique and Trendy:

* Exotic fruits: Mango, guava, passionfruit, pineapple

* Floral: Lavender, rosewater

* Spiced: Cardamom, ginger, nutmeg

* Boozy: Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Irish cream

* Gourmet: Salted caramel, white chocolate raspberry, lavender honey, matcha

Savory Pastry Fillings:

Classic and Traditional:

* Cheese: Cheddar, brie, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese

* Meat: Sausage, ham, bacon, ground beef, chicken

* Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic

* Herbs: Basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary

* Spreads: Pesto, hummus, tapenade

Unique and Trendy:

* Asian-inspired: Curry chicken, kimchi, pork belly

* Mediterranean: Feta cheese, olives, sundried tomatoes

* Spicy: Jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha

* Gourmet: Roasted vegetables, smoked salmon, mushroom duxelles

Tips for choosing pastry fillings:

* Consider the pastry: Some pastries are better suited for certain fillings. For example, flaky puff pastry is good for fruit or savory fillings, while shortbread is better for cream or jam.

* Balance the flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. For example, a sweet pastry with a savory filling can be surprisingly delicious.

* Think about the occasion: For a special occasion, choose a more elaborate filling. For everyday enjoyment, a simple filling will do.

Don't forget about the presentation! You can make your pastry fillings even more delicious by adding a touch of creativity. For example, you could:

* Top with a glaze or drizzle.

* Sprinkle with nuts or seeds.

* Decorate with fruit or chocolate.

* Add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

No matter what kind of pastry filling you choose, be sure to have fun with it and experiment until you find what you like best!