Save A festive and elegant platter featuring savory puff pastry stars, smoked salmon, and fresh herbed cream cheese, perfect for celebrating the end of the year.
This recipe was a delightful addition to our holiday celebrations and impressed all our guests with its flavor and look.
Ingredients
- For the Puff Pastry Stars: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed, 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- For the Herbed Cream Cheese: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly: 150 g smoked salmon, sliced, 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, fresh dill sprigs, for garnish, lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars and place them on the prepared tray.
- Step 3:
- Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 5:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 6:
- Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- Step 7:
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- Step 8:
- Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Save This dish became a family favorite during our year-end celebrations, bringing everyone joy and compliments at the table.
Required Tools
Star-shaped cookie cutter, baking tray, mixing bowl, spatula, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (puff pastry), milk (cream cheese), egg, and fish (smoked salmon). Always check product labels if sensitive to allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 220, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 16 g, Protein 10 g
Save This recipe is perfect for making ahead and serving fresh for a delicious, impressive appetizer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is used in Étoiles Filantes?
Étoiles Filantes uses puff pastry sheets that become golden and flaky when baked into star shapes.
- → How is the herbed cream cheese prepared?
The cream cheese is softened and mixed with fresh dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful, smooth spread.
- → Can the smoked salmon be substituted?
Yes, smoked salmon can be replaced with smoked trout or marinated tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- → What is the baking time for the puff pastry stars?
The stars bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden.
- → Are there any garnishes recommended for serving?
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges complement the flavors and add a decorative touch to the platter.
- → Is there a way to add a spicy note to the filling?
A small amount of horseradish can be mixed into the herbed cream cheese for a subtle spicy kick.