Savory Christmas Tree, a quick and tasty appetizer, perfect for enhancing the table during the Christmas holidays. I saw a very similar appetizer on social media a few days ago, also made with cheese and decorated with dill and pomegranate seeds. So I decided to share my version, decorating it with green olives, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and some sprigs of rosemary. On top of the tree, I added a star made with hard cheese. Making the tree shape is very simple, and you can also have the little ones in the house help you. The only advice I give you is to let the tree rest in the refrigerator after shaping it. This way, it will be easier to decorate. A very simple and tasty appetizer that you can also prepare in advance! Curious to find out how to make it? Then let’s go to the kitchen together, because the savory Christmas tree will be ready in a click!
If you’re looking for other appetizer recipes for the Christmas holidays, also read:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 6 People
- Cooking methods: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Christmas, New Year
- Energy 119.41 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.31 (g) of which sugars 0.32 (g)
- Proteins 5.96 (g)
- Fat 7.65 (g) of which saturated 3.18 (g)of which unsaturated 3.61 (g)
- Fibers 0.89 (g)
- Sodium 578.93 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 64 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz ricotta
- 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
- dill (to taste)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- green olives (to taste)
- black olives (to taste)
- sun-dried tomatoes in oil (to taste)
- emmental cheese (to taste)
- sprigs rosemary (fresh to taste)
- pretzel sticks (to taste)
Tools
- Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Plastic Wrap
- Toothpicks
- Mold star-shaped cookie cutter
Steps
First, chop the dill. Then put the ricotta in a bowl and add the previously chopped dill, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and mix. You should obtain a rather compact and dry mixture.
Place it on a sheet of plastic wrap spread on a cutting board and close it. Then, with your hands, try to give it a conical shape. Transfer everything to a plate and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, drain the sun-dried tomatoes from the preserving oil and cut them into very small pieces.
After the resting time, take the ricotta tree, remove the plastic wrap, and transfer it to a serving plate. With the back of a spoon or a spatula, adjust the edges and unleash your creativity. Decorate it by alternating green olives with black ones, pieces of tomato, and small sprigs of rosemary.
Then, cut out a star with a cookie cutter from the piece of cheese. Skewer it on a toothpick and place it on top of the ricotta tree. Add some pretzel sticks and serve.
Storage and Tips for the Savory Christmas Tree
The savory Christmas tree can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 1 day, covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
FAQ Questions and Answers for the Savory Christmas Tree
What can I substitute for ricotta?
As an alternative to ricotta, you can use any other spreadable cheese you like. The important thing is to obtain a compact and dry mixture that can be shaped.
How can I decorate the tree differently?
You can use pickled gherkins or pomegranate seeds.
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