This savoury pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree adds some extra fun this party season. It’s a really easy to make centre piece ideal when having friends around for festive drinks. Served with a champagne cocktail, your party is sure to go with a swing.
I can not take credit for the idea of puff pastry in the shape of a Christmas tree, I spotted it somewhere on the net last year (on one of those mini videos on Facebook, if I remember correctly). As I had a few friends around for drinks on Christmas Eve, I decided to give it a try. It was a fun idea and was as easy to make as it looked in the video (ie very easy).
So this year I have made it again so that I could share the idea with you. It requires two sheets of ready rolled puff pastry, some pesto, a little beaten egg and a little parmesan cheese. Then it is just a case of cutting a basic Christmas tree shape and twisting the branches to give a pretty effect. This year I have a seen a few on the Net, made with Nutella to make a sweet version.
Step by Step
Pesto Christmas Tree
Ingredients
- 2x 215g sheets of ready rolled puff pastry
- 4– 6 tbsp pesto
- a little beaten egg
- 25 g finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (180℃ fan)/400°F /gas mark 6.
- Place one sheet of the puff pastry on the work surface and spread the pesto evenly over the surface. Top with the second sheet of pastry.
- Cut out a simple Christmas tree shape and transfer to a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the surface of the pastry with beaten egg.
- Cut the branches of the tree and sprinkle with parmesan cheese pressing gently onto the pastry.
- Twist the branches in alternate directions starting at the bottom and working up the try.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until the pastry is risen and golden.
Notes
Nutrition
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- Spread the pesto over one sheet of pastry.
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- Top with the other and cut out a Christmas tree shape.
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- Cut branches and sprinkle with parmesan.
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- Twist the branches. Bake until golden.
I used some of the trimming to cut out a few stars which I sprinkled with some sesame seeds. The remaining trimmings were just cut into bite sized pieces and baked so as not to be wasted. (Although these never made it to the table). Not one to want to waste my efforts I took this Christmas tree along to a friend’s house to go with some pre dinner drinks and everyone was very quickly tucking in.
I shall be having Christmas Eve drinks again this year, so will be making the tree for a third time. I shall also be making the crostini that I made last year.
As usual I will be serving some mulled wine or mulled cider.
For something a little different I shall be offering a glass of lemon cranberry fizz – a simple champagne cocktail ( probably made with Prosecco, if truth be told).
Lemon Cranberry Fizz
Serves 6
A very simple and delicious bubbly cocktail.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp limonchello
- ice
- few fresh cranberries
- 70 cl bottle of sparkling wine
Instructions
- Place a tablespoon of limoncello into each of 6 champagne glasses along with a little ice and a few cranberries. Serve topped up with sparking wine.
More Party Food Made Easy
If you are having a party you might also like to try Christmas Crostini, Red Pepper Crostini and Bean and Pancetta Crostini. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead and assembles just before serving.
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Monika Dabrowski
Your pesto tree looks magnificent, Jacqui! This is a great party food idea. Quick and simple (and probably quite fun to make), so there’d be time for other dishes too:)
Jacqueline Bellefonatine
Yes indeed quick, easy and fun.
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain
This looks so good, and an absolute doddle to make. The pattern created by the pesto and the cheese is so pretty and very effective. pinning for later, 🙂
Angela x
Jacqueline Bellefonatine
Thanks Angela it is a doddle to make. Go for it.
Eb Gargano / easypeasyfoodie.com
What a gorgeous and delicious, yet very simple to make idea! Right up my street!! As is that super cocktail…Champagne AND Limoncello? Yes please!! Eb x
Jacqueline Bellefonatine
It would be up your stree Eb You and I both like easy recipes that are delicious and this is both with a bit of fun thrown in:) x
Corina
This looks fantastic Jacqui! I can’t believe how easy it is. I’m quite tempted to make one myself now as we all love puff pastry and pesto here. Or Nutella if I decide to make a sweet one!
Jacqueline Bellefonatine
Thanks Corina, Do give it a go it really is that easy and its fun!