Description
This festive Charcuterie Christmas Tree is a visually stunning and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. It features a variety of cured meats, fresh cheeses, and colorful fruits and vegetables artfully arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree on a foam cone base. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that is both elegant and easy to assemble.
Ingredients
Meats
- Cured ham (prosciutto, serrano, or iberico) – thinly sliced, about 100g
- Mortadella – thinly sliced, about 100g
Cheeses
- Small mozzarella balls – 12 pieces
- Gouda cheese – cut into small cubes, about 100g
Fruits and Vegetables
- Cherry tomatoes – 12 pieces
- Mini cucumbers – 6 pieces, sliced in half
- Green grapes – 12 pieces
- Red grapes – 12 pieces
Others
- Rosemary sprigs – 6 small sprigs
- Foam cone (about 12 inches tall) – 1 piece
- Aluminum foil – enough to cover foam cone
- Toothpicks – 50 to 60 pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Cover the foam cone completely with aluminum foil to provide a clean and stable surface for sticking ingredients.
- Assemble the charcuterie tree: Using toothpicks, start placing the cured meats, cheeses, and fresh fruits and vegetables onto the cone in a serpentine pattern. Alternate colors carefully to create a visually appealing mix, ensuring even distribution of colors and types across the entire tree.
- Add rosemary branches: Before placing rosemary sprigs, gently poke small holes into the foam cone with a toothpick. Insert the rosemary sprigs at these points around the tree to add a festive green touch and aromatic fragrance.
Notes
- Use a variety of meats and cheeses depending on availability and preference.
- To keep ingredients fresh, assemble the tree close to serving time and refrigerate if necessary.
- Smaller-sized fruits and vegetables work best for handling and visual balance.
- Ensure meats are thinly sliced for easy skewering and a delicate appearance.
- For extra flair, you can add other garnishes such as olives or nuts.
