# What You'll Need:
→ 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 oz softened cream cheese
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 oz 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. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out star shapes and place them on the prepared baking tray.
03 - Brush each puff pastry star with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
04 - Bake the stars for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
05 - In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
06 - Once cooled, carefully slice each puff pastry star horizontally into two halves.
07 - Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star. Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber slices, and capers. Cover with the top half of the star.
08 - Arrange the assembled stars on a platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
