Save Celebrate the end of the year with Étoiles Filantes Assiette de Fin d'Année, a festive and elegant appetizer featuring golden puff pastry stars crowned with luscious smoked salmon and fresh herbed cream cheese. This French-inspired platter enchants with its savory layers and delicate textures, perfectly suited for intimate gatherings and special occasions alike.
Pin it This appetizer marries classic French flavors with an inviting visual appeal. The star-shaped puff pastry adds a whimsical touch, while the herbed cream cheese and smoked salmon provide a balance of freshness and richness. Ideal for entertaining, this platter invites guests to savor each bite with a slice of lemon to awaken the senses.
Ingredients
- For the Puff Pastry Stars
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- For the Herbed Cream Cheese
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Assembly
- 150 g smoked salmon, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
- Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- 2. Prepare puff pastry stars
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out stars and place them on the prepared tray.
- 3. Add egg wash and sesame seeds
- Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- 4. Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- 5. Make herbed cream cheese
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 6. Slice the stars
- Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- 7. Assemble
- Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- 8. Add toppings
- Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- 9. Serve
- Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the puff pastry is well thawed for easy rolling and cutting. Use a sharp star-shaped cookie cutter for clean edges. Cool the baked stars completely before slicing horizontally to prevent breaking. For a smoother cream cheese spread, soften the cream cheese well beforehand.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You may substitute smoked salmon with smoked trout or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version. Adding a touch of horseradish to the cream cheese brings a delightful spicy kick. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon or parsley for subtle flavor changes.
Serviervorschläge
Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the puff pastry. Accompany with lemon wedges to brighten flavors and fresh dill sprigs for garnish. This appetizer pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage for celebratory occasions.
Pin it With its effortless preparation and spectacular presentation, Étoiles Filantes Assiette de Fin d'Année is sure to become a highlight of your festive menu. This classic French appetizer invites both tradition and creativity, making it a timeless choice for your celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pastry is used for the stars?
Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed before shaping and baking, create light and flaky stars.
- → How to ensure the stars stay crisp after assembly?
Allow the baked stars to cool completely on a wire rack before adding fillings to maintain crispness.
- → Can the smoked salmon be substituted?
Yes, smoked trout or marinated tofu can be used as alternative toppings for different dietary preferences.
- → How is the herbed cream cheese prepared?
Cream cheese is blended smoothly with fresh dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper for a bright herbaceous flavor.
- → What garnishes complement the platter?
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges add visual appeal and enhance the fresh, savory notes.