Page 81 - A Literary Holiday Cookbook

Pesto and Bacon Puff Pastry

Christmas Tree

Makes 1 (10-inch) tree

“The big Christmas tree in the middle of the room was decorated with any number of gold
and silver apples, and sugared almonds, bright-colored candles, and goodies of all kinds . .
. and the tree itself, shining with an inner light, invited the children to pick its blossoms and
fruits.”

This impressive pastry is deceptively easy to make and bakes in only 20 minutes. The
perfect way to feed a hungry crowd at Christmas!

INGREDIENTS

8 slices center- cut bacon
2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

¼ cup pesto (make your own using ½ batch of the recipe on

page 244)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cut bacon into bits and fry until cooked
but not crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel and set

aside.

2 Roll puff pastry sheets into 10-inch squares. Place 1 sheet on a
greased baking sheet. Spread a layer of pesto across the pastry

sheet in the shape of a giant triangle, keeping the pesto at least 2
inches from the bottom of the pastry and at least 1 inch from all

remaining sides. Spread a small rectangle of pesto at the bottom of