Crisp cucumber ribbons shaped like trees, topped with creamy cheese, tomatoes, and herbs for a festive starter.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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)
09 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler, slice each cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
02 - Combine softened cream cheese with chopped dill, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
03 - Cut each cherry tomato in half.
04 - Thread one cucumber ribbon onto a pretzel stick, folding it back and forth to form a zigzag, tree-like shape.
05 - Apply a small dollop of the herbed cream cheese at the base of each cucumber tree.
06 - Top each tree with either a half cherry tomato or a star-shaped bell pepper slice for a festive look.
07 - Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds over the assembled trees if desired.
08 - Arrange cucumber trees upright on a serving platter and serve immediately to maintain crispness.
