There’s no better way to start a Christmas gathering by
serving up some true Christmas spirit. This show-stopping
savoury Christmas tree combines basil pesto, parmesan and
fire-roasted capsicum inside a buttery, flaky puff pastry case
that not only looks stunning, but tastes amazing as well!
Serves: 8
Prep/Cook Time: 1 hour + Chilling time.
Ingredients
• 2 (435g packets) Carême All Butter Puff Pastry, defrosted
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
• 60g fire roasted capsicum strips, finely chopped
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk
Method
1 – Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Line two baking trays
with baking paper.
2 – In a mixing bowl, combine the pesto, parmesan, and capsicum.
3 – Unroll one sheet of pastry and lay it on the baking tray. Spread
pesto mixture all over pastry sheet. Unroll the second sheet of
pastry and lay it on top of the mixture. Press gently to seal the two
pastry sheets together.
4 – Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry sheets into a Christmas tree
shape (setting pastry offcuts aside for later). Transfer baking tray
into the fridge and chill for 30 minutes.
5 – Once chilled, use a sharp knife and cut slits on both sides of the
tree, spaced 2cm apart, leaving the centre intact. Twist each pastry
strip 2-3 times, pressing the ends into the baking sheet. On the
second lined baking tray, repeat the twists with the pastry leftovers.
6 – In a small bowl, lightly whisk egg yolk and milk. Brush pastry
with egg mixture then place trays into the oven to bake for 25-30
minutes, or until golden.
7 – Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve as a
pull apart appetizer.
Original Recipe: Careme Pastry
