# What You'll Need:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (approximately 8.8 oz each)
→ Filling
02 - 4.2 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tbsp basil pesto
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
08 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
09 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
10 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, basil pesto, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
03 - Unroll one puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 0.4 inch border around the edges.
04 - Place the second puff pastry sheet atop the first, pressing gently to seal the edges.
05 - With a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape (a triangle with trunk) through both pastry layers. Remove excess pastry and reserve for decorations.
06 - Starting from the bottom, cut horizontal strips approximately 0.8 inch wide on both sides of the tree, leaving the center intact to form the trunk.
07 - Twist each strip away from the center 2 to 3 times to create branch effects.
08 - Use leftover pastry to cut out stars or ornaments and place them on the tree for decoration.
09 - Brush the entire tree with beaten egg, then evenly sprinkle sesame seeds and optional poppy seeds on top.
10 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
11 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
