Puff Pastry Star Appetizer

Ingrédients

• 1 round puff pastry (thawed)
• 1/4-1/3 cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese
• 8 slices prosciutto, ham or salami (or mixture)
• 8 cubes firm mozzarella, fontina, gruyere or swiss cheese
• 4-8 black / green olives
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 2-3 pinches oregano
• 1-2 tablespoons seeds (poppy or sesame)

Préparation

1. 1

   Place the round puff pastry on a sheet of parchment paper. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make 8 cuts from the outer edge toward the centre, stopping about 2 inches / 5 cm before the middle. Turn the pastry slightly and make 8 more cuts in between the first ones so you end up with 16 equal points. (see photos)

2. 2

   Spread the ricotta all over the base leaving a 1 inch / 2 cm boarder.

3. 3

   Place folded piece or a piece of prociutto or pancetta and a piece of cheese at the top in the middle of each triangle (be careful of the amount as you'll be closing the puff pastry over it). Then, take each tip of the wedge and bring it toward the centre, completely covering the filling. Repeat this process for both tips of the wedge and seal the puff pastry over the filling. Wetting your fingers with water will help to seal the edges.

4. 4

   Add a small cube of cheese to each of the smaller inner triangles. Fold each point outward over the cheese. Secure the tips with a black olive (whole or cut in half) so they don't rise during cooking. Sprinkle the ricotta with oregano. Brush the pastry with milk and sprinkle with sesame and/or poppy seeds.

5. 5

   Place the star on a large baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes while the oven is pre-heating to 375F/190C.

6. 6

   Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately. Enjoy!