Spiced Walnut and Spinach Pinwheel Christmas Tree
By Laura Rege

Yields:
16 serving(s)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
This adorable appetizer is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and Christmas party guests. First, roll up spinach, goat cheese, and California walnuts into pre-made crescent rolls and slice into pinwheels. Then, simply arrange those pinwheels in a tree shape and bake, and finally top with cranberries and candied walnuts. It’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups
California walnuts, divided
- 1 Tbsp.
Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp.
fennel seeds
- 1 tsp.
onion powder
- 1 tsp.
smoked paprika
- 1 tsp.
sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
- 1
(10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
- 4 oz.
goat cheese, crumbed
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
All purpose flour, for dusting
- 2
(8-oz.) tubes crescent dough
- 3 Tbsp.
sugar
- 1 Tbsp.
dried cranberries
Directions
- Step 1Preheat oven to 350° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2In a food processor, pulse 1 1/2 cups of the California walnuts, Italian seasoning, fennel, onion powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of the oil until walnuts are finely chopped and starting to clump together, about 15 seconds. Scrape the walnut mixture into a medium bowl and stir in the spinach and goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent sheets. Using your fingers press together the seams. Spread a thin layer of walnut mixture onto each rectangle. Starting with one long side, roll up each rectangle. Cut each roll into 8 slices. Arrange on the baking sheet in the shape of a tree.
- Step 4Brush the pinwheels with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Bake until golden, about 32 minutes.
- Step 5Meanwhile, drizzle a small plate with oil and brush into an even layer. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup California walnuts and sugar in a small skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted and golden, about 3 minutes. Scrape onto the prepared plate and let cool.
- Step 6Serve buns warm or at room temperature adorned with the dried cranberries and candied walnuts.
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