Entertaining friends and family for the holidays are such a pleasure, but can also incite anxiety and chaos. To keep hungry guests from lingering in the kitchen while you make the last few arrangements, here is a tasty and easy appetizer to keep pre-dinner grazers out of the kitchen!

These crisp and golden Christmas Pinwheels take only 30 minutes, and look very festive with green pesto and red sundried tomatoes. Here are the ingredients and tools you will need:

  • 1 box Frozen puff pastry (thawed and unfolded)
  • 3/4 cup Basil pesto (store bought or homemade)
  • 1 Jar Sundried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Paring knife
  • 1 Nonstick Silpat, or baking parchment paper
  • 1 Cookie sheet or baking tray
  • Pastry brush

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

1. Using a sharp knife, cut each sheet of thawed puff pastry into 3×3 inch squares. This can be done by slicing each sheet into thirds along the fold creases, then into as many squares as it will accommodate.

2. First, make an egg wash by whisking the egg in a small bowl. Using the pastry brush, gently brush each square until lightly moistened. This will help the pastry turn golden brown when baked, and help the pinwheel corners stick to each other and stay in place during baking.

3. To fill the pinwheels, make a cut from the tip of each corner of the square towards the center, stopping about 1/2 inch before the middle. Spoon a dollop of pesto onto the middle of each square.

4. Fold the top left-hand corner of each square down over the pesto. Moving around the square clockwise, fold the left-hand corner of the three remaining sides into the center. Top the center of the pinwheel with a pinch of chopped sundried tomato.

5. Transfer the pastries to a parchment paper- or Silpat of parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush the pastries with remaining egg wash. Bake the pinwheels for 10-12 minutes, or until they are a beautiful golden brown. Let cool for a 2-3 minutes before transferring to a platter and serving.

*Optional: You can also sprinkle the pinwheels with grated Parmegiano Reggiano or cheese of choice for a richer, saltier flavor profile.

Voila! Now your guests can enjoy this savory treat while you put the finishing touches on dinner. Bon appetite!