Festive Olive and Antipasto Christmas Tree Appetizer
Total Time:30 minutes
Ingredients
10 ounces pimento stuffed green olives, drained
8 ounces Kalamata olives, pitted and drained
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, red and yellow
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 large block of provolone or extra cheddar for the star topper
1 bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
1 styrofoam cone, 9 to 12 inches tall
Aluminum foil
1 box of sturdy round toothpicks
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base Start by wrapping your styrofoam cone completely in aluminum foil. This ensures that the food only touches a clean, food-safe surface and keeps the foam from crumbling. Place the wrapped cone in the center of a large serving platter or a wooden board where you intend to serve the final product.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients Drain all the olives and marinated vegetables thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel so they do not drip down the cone and make the display messy. Cut your cheddar cheese into uniform cubes and use a small star-shaped cookie cutter to create a star from the thick slice of provolone for the very top of the tree.
Step 3: Begin Assembly from the Bottom Insert a toothpick into an olive or a cube of cheese and press it into the bottom of the cone at a slight upward angle. Continue this process around the entire base of the cone, alternating colors and textures. It is best to work in circular layers, moving from the bottom toward the top to ensure stability.
Step 4: Layer the Antipasto Elements As you move up the tree, vary the placement of the tomatoes, artichokes, and different olive varieties. Try to distribute the red tomatoes and white mozzarella pearls evenly to mimic holiday ornaments. Make sure the toothpicks are pushed in far enough so that they are hidden by the food items.
Step 5: Add Greenery and the Star Once the cone is fully covered, tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary into the gaps between the olives and cheese. This gives the appetizer its signature evergreen appearance. Finally, place your cheese star on a toothpick and secure it firmly at the very peak of the cone.
