A Magical Winter Forest Platter – A Festive Holiday Starter

Allergens

Dairy (cream cheese, parmesan cheese), Walnuts, Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 24 mini pretzel sticks
• 32 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
• 16 large green olives, pitted
• 16 large black olives, pitted
• 32 baby carrots, washed and dried
• 16 cocktail smoked sausages
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a medium sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, green onions, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2. Shape the cream cheese mixture into 16 small, evenly sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly to form a base for the appetizer.
3. Arrange the mini pretzel sticks in a star pattern on top of each flattened cream cheese ball, resembling the branches of a Christmas tree.
4. Pierce 1 cherry tomato and 1 large green olive onto each pretzel branch to represent ornaments.
5. Insert 1 baby carrot into each cherry tomato as the trunk of the tree.
6. Add 1 smoked sausage to the center of each "tree" to represent a Christmas gift.
7. Spoon a small amount of cranberry sauce onto a serving plate and spread it evenly to form a bed for your appetizer platter.
8. Place the cream cheese and pretzel trees on top of the cranberry sauce, making sure they stand firmly in place.
9. Surround the Christmas tree appetizers with additional baby carrots, green olives, black olives, and cherry tomatoes.
10. Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs to evoke the scent of a winter forest.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy the magical atmosphere your Winter Forest Platter creates!

Chef’s Insight

The Winter Forest Platter not only creates a festive atmosphere during the holiday season but also encourages guests to interact with the appetizer, picking and choosing their favorite "ornaments" and "gifts." This interactive aspect brings people together, fostering conversation and creating memories around the dining table.

Notes

This appetizer is best served chilled, and the ingredients should be prepared fresh before assembly. If you prefer a more robust flavored cream cheese mixture, consider adding a clove of minced garlic to the mix.