# Components:
→ Puff Pastry Stars
01 - 1 sheet thawed puff pastry
02 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Herbed Cream Cheese
04 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Assembly
09 - 5 oz smoked salmon, sliced
10 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
12 - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut out star shapes using a star-shaped cookie cutter and place on the prepared tray.
03 - Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds evenly.
04 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.
05 - In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
06 - Once cooled, carefully slice each puff pastry star horizontally in half.
07 - Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star. Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and capers. Place the top half of the star back on each.
08 - Arrange assembled stars on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
