# Components:
→ Puff Pastry Stars
01 - 1 sheet thawed puff pastry
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
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars and place them on the prepared tray.
03 - Brush each star with beaten egg and evenly sprinkle with sesame seeds.
04 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
05 - Combine cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth.
06 - Once cooled, carefully slice each puff pastry star horizontally in half.
07 - Spread herbed cream cheese generously on the bottom half of each star. Top with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, and capers. Cover with the top half.
08 - Arrange the assembled stars on a platter. Garnish with dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
