# List of ingredients:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (approx. 8.8 oz each)
→ Filling
02 - 4.2 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
08 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
09 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
10 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Heat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cream cheese, basil pesto, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth.
03 - Unroll one sheet of puff pastry onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a 0.4-inch border clear.
04 - Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the puff pastry surface, avoiding the 0.4-inch border.
05 - Place the second puff pastry sheet atop the filling and gently press edges to seal the layers together.
06 - With a sharp knife, cut out a large Christmas tree shape (triangle with trunk) through both pastry layers, removing excess dough for decorations.
07 - From the bottom upwards, slice horizontal strips approximately 0.8 inches wide on both sides of the tree, keeping the center intact as the trunk.
08 - Twist each strip away from the tree center 2 to 3 times to form branches.
09 - Use reserved dough to cut star or ornament shapes and arrange them on the tree surface.
10 - Brush the entire pastry tree with the beaten egg. Sprinkle sesame seeds and optional poppy seeds evenly over the top.
11 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
12 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
