Salmon in Pastry

• puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)↗12 ounces
• salmon fillet↗
• chopped fresh parsley2 tablespoons
• chopped fresh basil2 tablespoons
• unsalted butter, softened↗3 tablespoons
• salt, to taste↗

  to taste

• fresh ground black pepper, to taste↗

  to taste

• egg, lightly beaten↗1

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. 2

   Using a rolling pin, roll pastry into four pieces, each about 5 by 8 inches.

3. 3

   Transfer two pieces to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Remove skin from salmon and place a fillet in center of each of those pieces.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, combine parsley, basil, and butter. Stir until herbs are thoroughly mixed inches Season with salt and pepper. Spread butter mixture on top of salmon.

6. 6

   Dip a pastry brush into beaten egg and let excess run off. Brush edges of pastry around salmon with egg. Cover each piece with remaining puff pastry.

7. 7

   Pinch pastry together firmly to seal, then lightly press tines of a dinner fork along edges for a decorative effect. Brush top of pastry with remaining egg.

8. 8

   With a sharp knife, cut two small slits into top of each pastry so steam can escape during baking.

9. 9

   Bake for 20 minutes or until pastry has risen and is crisp and golden.