Cranberry Christmas Star

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese Filling

01 - 1 cup cream cheese, softened

02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

03 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Cranberry Mixture

06 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

08 - 1 tablespoon orange zest

09 - 2 tablespoons orange juice

10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Pastry

11 - 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed

12 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)

15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for decoration

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

03 - In a bowl, blend cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, chopped chives, and black pepper until smooth.

04 - Roll out one puff pastry sheet on a floured surface and cut a 12-inch circle. Transfer it onto the prepared baking sheet.

05 - Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

06 - Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture evenly on top of the cheese layer.

07 - Place the second puff pastry sheet over the cranberry layer and trim edges to align with the bottom circle.

08 - Position a 3-inch diameter bowl in the center. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry from the edge of the bowl outward into five equal rays, forming a star pattern.

09 - Gently twist each of the five rays to reveal layers and filling. Remove the bowl from the center.

10 - Brush the entire pastry surface with beaten egg to ensure a golden finish.

11 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

12 - Allow to cool slightly before decorating with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -

It looks absolutely show-stopping on any table, with that gorgeous star shape that seems to take way more effort than it actually does
The sweet-tart cranberry filling balances beautifully against creamy, savory cheese layers that people can't stop raving about
You can make it entirely ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when guests arrive, which means you get to actually enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen
It's genuinely impressive enough to serve at fancy gatherings, but honest enough to feel like something a real friend made with love

02 -

The cooled cranberry mixture is absolutely essential, not just suggested. Warm cranberry mixture will make your beautiful cheese layer melt and slide around before you've even gotten it in the oven. I learned this the messy way on year two.
Make sure your puff pastry is actually thawed but still cold before you begin rolling. It's temperamental, and room temperature pastry becomes sticky and refuses to cooperate. Thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours, not on the counter.
Those twist cuts are where the magic happens visually, but they also create escape routes for steam. Don't be shy about twisting, and resist the urge to straighten them back out. The imperfect twists look more beautiful and authentic than anything perfect could be.

03 -

Invest in a good microplane zester for your citrus, because tiny, fluffy zest distributes more evenly and imparts flavor more delicately than chunks from a box grater
If your puff pastry cracks while you're working, just patch it with a small piece of extra dough and press it gently into place, then brush with egg wash. The baking process will seal it invisibly, and no one will ever know.
Let your finished star cool for at least 5 minutes before attempting to serve it, because the filling is molten inside and will behave badly if you don't give it a moment to set slightly