CREAM PUFF TREE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, stir cream cheese, artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan, sour cream, garlic, and lemon zest and red pepper flakes (if using) until combined. Season mixture with salt and pepper. Unroll both pastry sheets onto baking tray, and use a pizza cutter or knife to cut a Christmas tree shape into the dough; reserve scraps. Remove top tree cut-out, and spread cream cheese mixture on bottom layer. Sprinkle with mozzarella then top with second tree cutout.  Cut a star out of reserved puff pastry scraps and place on top of tree. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut 1/2" thick "branches" on either side of tree, being careful to leave a 1" section in the center. Gently lift and twist each "branch". In a small bowl, mix together butter and garlic powder. Brush all over tree and star and bake until golden, 30 minutes.

Steps:

• Place the water, sugar, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
• While the sugar is heating, beat the egg whites to soft peaks so they're ready at the same time as the sugar. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium until the egg whites are foamy. Increase the speed to high, and add in the cream of tartar and salt. Continue to mix until soft peaks form.
• Once the sugar mixtures reaches 240°F, carefully remove it from the heat and let rest for about 20 seconds. With the mixer running on high, slowly stream the sugar mixture into the egg whites. Continue to mix for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the outside of the mixing bowl returns to room temperature. Add in the vanilla; mix until medium-stiff peaks form.
• Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.