Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 2 sheets puff pastry (320g each).
02 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
03 - 12 slices wafer thin ham.
04 - 150g cheddar cheese, finely grated.
05 - 1 egg, beaten.
06 - Grated parmesan for serving.
07 - 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce).
08 - 1 tablespoon plain flour (for sauce).
09 - 240ml milk (for sauce).
10 - 60g gruyere cheese, grated (for sauce).
11 - ⅛ teaspoon each salt, white pepper, nutmeg (for sauce).

# Instructions:

01 - Heat oven to 400°F. Keep pastry cold until needed.
02 - Roll out one pastry sheet. Spread with mustard, layer ham and cheese, top with second pastry sheet.
03 - Cut pastry into tree shape. Make 1-inch wide branches. Cut decorations from leftover pastry.
04 - Twist each branch 1-2 times. Work from bottom up, twisting less near top.
05 - Brush with egg wash. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp.
06 - Melt butter, stir in flour. Gradually whisk in milk. Add cheese and seasonings.
07 - Add decorations to tree, dust with parmesan. Serve with sauce.

# Notes:

01 - Keep pastry cold for best results.
02 - Use finely grated cheese for easier twisting.
03 - Sauce is optional but adds extra flavor.

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