Olive Christmas Tree Appetizer Food

CHEESE & OLIVE APPETIZER TREE

Steps:

• Drain olives. Cut block of cheese horizontally into 2 pieces, each about 1/2 inch thick. Cut cheese with 1-inch star-shape canapé cutter. Cover cheese stars with plastic wrap.
• Break toothpicks in half as needed; push each olive onto toothpick half. Starting at bottom of cone, insert toothpicks until they stay securely in place. Continue placing olives in random order on tree, varying sizes and leaving spaces for the cheese stars. (For stability of the tree, place most of the larger olives near the bottom.)
• Push each cheese star onto toothpick half; insert into cone among the olives. Top tree with a cheese star that has been inserted horizontally on toothpick between points of star. Insert rosemary sprigs randomly between olives and cheese. Cover loosely and refrigerate no longer than 8 hours before serving.

GREEN OLIVE TREE

Steps:

• Mix olives, oil, orange peel, orange juice and marmalade. Cover and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours to blend flavors.
• Press topiary base securely in flowerpot (glue if necessary). Fill pot 2/3 full with rocks. Insert toothpicks into topiary cone; place olives on toothpicks.
• Line top of pot with tissue paper; cover with peanuts.

OLIVE APPETIZER TREE

Steps:

• Get a box of toothpicks and a 9 inch cone shape to begin. (green or white).
• Drain olives. Cut block of cheese into 1/2 inch thick slabs and cut 1 inch stars with a cookie cutter. Cover with wrap.
• Break toothpicks in half. Starting at the bottom of the cone, insert toothpicks in a random order and push olives onto them. Vary the olives and leave room for the cheese stars. Place larger olives near the bottom.
• Push each cheese star into a toothpick half, Top the tree with a cheese star and insert rosemary sprigs randomly.
• Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate no longer than 8 hours.