# What You'll Need:
→ Puff Pastry Stars
01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
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 - 5.3 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - 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.
03 - Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
04 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
05 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
06 - Once stars are cool, carefully slice each star horizontally in half.
07 - Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star. Top with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and capers. Place the top half of the star on each assembled base.
08 - Arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
