Elegant appetizers featuring star-shaped bites, smoked salmon, and fresh blueberries for a festive touch.
# Components:
→ Star-Shaped Puff Pastry Bites
01 - 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
02 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
03 - 1.76 oz goat cheese, softened
04 - 2 tbsp honey
05 - 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
06 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
→ Midnight Blueberry & Brie Crostini
07 - 1 baguette, sliced into 12 rounds
08 - 3.5 oz brie cheese, sliced
09 - 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
10 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
11 - 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or gold dust (optional)
12 - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
→ Sparkling Smoked Salmon Stars
13 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon
14 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
16 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
17 - 1 tsp chopped capers
18 - 12 mini blinis or cocktail pumpernickel rounds
19 - Edible silver stars or glitter (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out the thawed puff pastry and cut into star shapes using a cookie cutter. Arrange stars on the prepared baking sheet and brush each with the beaten egg wash.
03 - Bake the pastry stars for 8–10 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before assembling.
04 - Combine softened goat cheese, honey, and fresh thyme. Spoon the mixture onto the baked pastry stars and top with chopped walnuts.
05 - Toast baguette rounds until golden and crisp.
06 - Place a slice of brie cheese on each toasted baguette round, then add fresh blueberries. Drizzle balsamic glaze over each and optionally garnish with edible gold leaf and fresh mint leaves.
07 - Mix softened cream cheese with lemon juice, chopped dill, and capers until well combined.
08 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto mini blinis or pumpernickel rounds. Top with smoked salmon, trimming with a small star cutter if desired. Garnish with edible silver stars or glitter if using.
