If you have no time to whip up an appetizer from scratch, consider gussying up some store-bought ingredients. One of my pantry favorites is puff pastry.

Buttery sheets of puff pastry are perfect for making many appetizers. You can cut the pastry sheets into different shapes and press them into baking cups. Or you can cut and twist them to make cheese straws, an appetizer favorite. This recipe uses one sheet of puff pastry to make super-easy Palmiers — crispy, spiral-shaped appetizers, with hints of salty prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.

Puff pastry is sold frozen and needs to thaw in the refrigerator before using. When unfolding puff pastry, press it out along the seams; don't roll it out with a rolling pin. If you use a rolling pin, you are pressing down on the buttery layers, which can prevent the pastry from rising and puffing up as much. You can make these ahead and freeze. Reheat them in a 325-degree oven to re-crisp.

Makes: About 24 appetizers1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed2 tablespoons honey mustard6 thin slices prosciuttoParmesan cheeseUnfold the puff pastry sheet, pressing out the seams. Spread with honey mustard to ¼inch from the edges. Place prosciutto slices on top and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.Roll the pastry up tightly into a log and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove the log and slice into ¼-inch pieces. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with more Parmesan. Bake until golden brown and puffed.