Pin this Celebrate the end of the year with the festive and elegant Étoiles Filantes Assiette de Fin d'Année, a delightful French appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry stars filled with creamy herbed cream cheese and topped with silky smoked salmon. This pescatarian-friendly treat is both visually stunning and wonderfully flavorful, making it the perfect starter for your holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Pin this This appetizer brings together simple ingredients in a sophisticated way, with the buttery puff pastry providing the perfect base for the herbaceous cream cheese and fresh smoked salmon. It’s light yet satisfying, ideal to awaken appetites and encourage lively conversation around the table.
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 to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- 2. 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. Brush each star with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- 4. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- 5. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, dill, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 6. Once stars are cool, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
- 7. Spread a generous layer of herbed cream cheese on the bottom half of each star.
- 8. Top with smoked salmon slices, cucumber, and a few capers. Place the top half of the star on each.
- 9. Arrange on a festive platter. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and serve with lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still chilled before rolling out to achieve the best puff and flakiness. Use a sharp, thin star-shaped cutter for clean edges. Allow the pastry stars to cool completely before slicing and assembling to avoid the cream cheese melting. Adjust seasoning of the cream cheese to your personal taste, and gently pat the cucumber slices dry to prevent sogginess.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian alternative, swap smoked salmon with smoked trout or marinated tofu. To add a spicy note, incorporate a small amount of horseradish into the cream cheese mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs such as tarragon or basil to personalize the flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these starry appetizers immediately for the best texture, paired with crisp white wine or sparkling beverages. Garnish generously with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges to brighten the flavors. Arrange the stars neatly on a festive platter to impress guests and enhance the celebratory ambiance.
Pin this With their charming shape and harmonious blend of flavors, these Étoiles Filantes are sure to become a beloved classic on your festive table. Effortless to make and delightful to serve, they celebrate the joy of good food and good company as the year draws to a close.
Recipe Questions
- → What puff pastry works best for Étoiles Filantes?
A high-quality, store-bought puff pastry sheet thawed properly works perfectly for flaky, golden stars.
- → Can I prepare the herbed cream cheese ahead of time?
Yes, the herbed cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to smoked salmon?
Smoked trout or marinated tofu can be excellent substitutes depending on dietary preferences.
- → How should the stars be stored if made in advance?
Keep the baked stars and herbed cream cheese separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What garnish complements the platter best?
Fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges add aroma and a zesty touch that elevate the presentation and flavor.