ADVERTISEMENT
Cut two blocks of the cheeses into small cubes and two blocks into wedges. Cut the last block into a star using a star cookie cutter, cut scraps into cubes. Keep cheeses chilled until ready to use.
To assemble tree you’ll need a very large area (about 28 by 20-inches, I just did it directly on the clean marble tabletop), you can use white parchment paper underneath if desired.
Start by forming the bottom of the “Christmas tree” using the green grapes cut into separate long stems. Top those with rosemary sprigs and dot with red grapes. Leave a space between the grapes in the bottom middle area and add the pecans there for the “stump” of the tree.
Next add a layer of cheeses, using half of the wedges shapes and 2/3 of the cheese cubes.
Then add a layer of half of 2/3 of the salami placed above the cheese layer.
Next add the sliced kiwi followed by a layer of raspberries.
After those layers add another layer of cheeses, 1/3 of the remaining cubes and over the top of those cubes and the remaining 1/2 of the wedges.
Add a layer of pistachios or pumpkin seeds followed by the olives for the top piont of the “tree”.
Last add the star atop and finish with a “ground” of crackers spread beneath the tree. Serve shortly after assembling as ingredients shouldn’t sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Notes:
SUBSTITUTES
Greens: Small cucumbers sliced, baby dill pickles, celery sticks, green apples thin sliced
Reds: Strawberries halved, cherry infused Craisins, fresh cherries, grape tomatoes, red apples thin sliced, pomegranate arils
Meats: Capocollo, proscuitto, pepperoni, or larger salami
“Trunk”: Pretzel sticks or chocolate sticks
FIND RECIPE ONLINE-
ADVERTISEMENT