# What you need:
→ Puff Pastry
01 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed (approximately 8.8 oz each)
→ Filling
02 - 4.2 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tbsp basil pesto
04 - 1 garlic clove, minced
05 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping
08 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
09 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds
10 - 1 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine cream cheese, basil pesto, minced garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix until smooth.
03 - Unroll one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and spread the filling evenly, leaving a 0.4-inch border around edges.
04 - Place the second puff pastry sheet over the filling and press gently along the edges to seal.
05 - With a sharp knife, cut a large Christmas tree shape (triangle with trunk) through both pastry layers; remove excess dough and reserve.
06 - From the bottom upwards, slice horizontal strips approximately 0.8 inch wide on each side of the tree, keeping the center intact as the trunk.
07 - Twist each strip away from the center two to three times to form branches extending from the trunk.
08 - Cut stars or ornaments from reserved dough and place atop the tree for decoration.
09 - Brush the entire tree with beaten egg; sprinkle evenly with sesame seeds and optional poppy seeds.
10 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
11 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
