# Ingredient List:
→ 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 ounces 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 ounces 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 the oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut out stars using a star-shaped cookie cutter. Arrange the stars on the prepared baking tray.
03 - Brush each star lightly with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top.
04 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove and cool on a wire rack completely.
05 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
06 - Once the stars have cooled, carefully slice each star horizontally into two layers. Spread a generous amount of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
07 - Top the cream cheese layer with smoked salmon slices, thin cucumber slices, and a few capers. Replace the top half of the star to complete the assembly.
08 - Arrange the assembled stars on a serving platter, garnish with fresh dill sprigs, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
