Crisp cucumber ribbons folded into festive shapes, garnished with cheese, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large English cucumbers
02 - 6 cherry tomatoes
→ Dairy
03 - 3.5 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Herbs & Seasonings
04 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes & Assembly
07 - 12 small pretzel sticks
08 - 12 star-shaped yellow bell pepper slices (optional, for tree toppers)
09 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler, slice them lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
02 - Combine cream cheese, fresh dill, chives, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
03 - Cut each cherry tomato in half.
04 - Thread one cucumber ribbon onto each pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to form a zigzag resembling a Christmas tree.
05 - Pipe or spoon a small dollop of herbed cream cheese onto the base of each cucumber tree.
06 - Decorate each tree with a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped yellow bell pepper slice.
07 - Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the assembled trees if desired.
08 - Arrange the cucumber trees upright on a serving platter and serve promptly to maintain texture.
