Christmas tree puff pastry with pesto Recipe for aperitif

The recipe for puff pastry pesto Christmas tree is actually the same as a sun tart but in the shape of a tree, with the filling of your choice. Ideal for a festive aperitif before sitting at the table. The recipe explained step by step in photos.

Here is a pretty tree tart that we often see on social networks. It’s true that it’s a great effect for a festive aperitif, perfect for welcoming the family with a small glass of champagne and other appetizers.
This tree-shaped puff pastry to share is also very fun to prepare. To prepare with the children, they love it.

It’s the same principle as for a sun tart: two filled puff pastriesyou make the shape of your choice, cut strips or spokes, twist, brush with gilding and bake in the oven.

Which puff pastry should you choose to form the trees?

Whether your puff pastry is homemade or purchased commercially, the ideal here is to have two rectangular puff pastries.
You can still use round paste but then your tree will be less slender and more compact.

First prepare your base

Spread the first puff pastry on the baking sheet from the oven or baking tray covered with parchment paper.
Spread a layer of pesto over the entire surface of the dough. Place the second dough on top.

Then draw and cut your tree

I have taken step-by-step photos to guide you.
First make markings: the first at the top in the middle of the width to identify the top of the tree. And two at the bottom for the base of the tree.
Then cut the outlines of the tree : the shape of the foot, the bottom of the branches, and the triangular shape of the branches.
Remove the scraps. Don’t throw them away, but have fun making the shapes of your choice.

Form the branches

Make strips to form the branches. I used the blade of a paring knife, about 1 centimeter, to get uniform strips.
Then as for the sun tart, make each band do several turns. Try making cute twists. Three at the base, then two or just one as you climb to the top of the tree.

Brown with beaten egg

Beat an egg and using a brush or failing that with your fingers, brush your tree with gilding. You can use liquid cream instead of the beaten egg.
For the gilding you can also use only the egg yolk with a little milk. In the kitchen the different practices are endless!

And optional, the decor

Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flax seeds or other seed.

Which topping should you choose for this Christmas recipe?

Here I offer you a garnish with basil pesto. Actually a mix of pesto and hellish pesto which is a slightly spicy variant that can be found commercially.
In the absence of the brand that I found, you can simply add a a little Espelette pepper, chili or paprika to give a little pep to your Christmas pie.

In a salty version

THE red pesto is also a good choice, as in my sun tart recipe.
You can also make a mix of basil pesto and pesto rossoor pesto and olive tapenade. Or even a mix pesto and fresh cheese.
Also try the possible variations with cheese. Ham – Emmental or reblochon, salmon – fresh cheese…Or vegetable sauces: eggplant caviartomato sauce not too liquid…

In a sweet version

In a sweet version, it’s a guaranteed success for children with Nutella or other spread inside. You can also put jam a mixture sugar – cinnamon.

And what to do with the tree falls?

You will end up with two rectangles which correspond to the base under the bottom branches, and two triangles which remain from the triangle of the shape of the tree. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and have fun making the shapes you want. I did this:

And if you liked this recipe, try this variation in an individual tree made on the same principle of puff pastry and pesto filling. They are so cute.