Ingredients
Pear with Ham and Mint
Dressing for Pear Appetizer
Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey, KFactor 16, 17.6 Oz, Unpasteurized, Genuine New Zealand Honey, Traceable from Our Hives to Your Home
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Nate's Organic 100% Pure, Raw & Unfiltered Honey - USDA Certified Organic - 32oz. Squeeze Bottle
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Manukora Raw Manuka Honey, MGO 50+, New Zealand Honey, Non-GMO, Traceable from Hive to Hand, Daily Wellness Support - 250g (8.82 Oz)
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Cheese Christmas Tree
Wreath Salad
Arugula Microgreen Seeds Bulk 1 LB Resealable Bag | Spicy & Flavorful Greens | Non GMO Heirloom Seeds | Rocket Salad by Rainbow Heirloom Seed Co.
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Roquette Lettuce Arugula Seeds - 100 Count Seed Pack - an Incredibly Fast-Growing Cool Season Crop That adds a Fresh Spicy Kick to Salads and Sandwiches. - Country Creek LLC
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Instructions
Step 1
To start, take a **ripe pear** and slice it neatly. You want the pieces to be manageable for guests. Now, take the **ham** and cut it into thin strips.
Next, gently scatter some **fresh mint** leaves over the pear slices. This will bring a refreshing flavor that complements the sweet pear. Set aside while you make the dressing.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine **olive oil, lemon juice**, and **honey**. Whisk these ingredients together until fully emulsified.
Drizzle this dressing over the pear and ham arrangement just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.
Step 3
Begin by arranging the different cheeses on a platter to form a tree shape. Use **Brie or Camembert** as the base and stack it with **Maasdam, Parmesan**, and **Cheddar** cheese cut in star shapes on the top.
Add some **mandarins** and **olives** around the cheese for added color and fresh flavor. **Crackers** and **fresh rosemary** can be placed around the base for a festive look.
Step 4
Now for the salad, take a large plate and lay down the **arugula** as your base. Then, add the **mini mozzarella** balls, halved **cherry tomatoes**, and the mandarin slices arranged in a ring.
Drizzle a bit of **olive oil** on top and serve it as a fresh option among the appetizers. It brings vibrancy to your holiday table!
Servings
Equipment
A sturdy cutting board is essential for cutting fruits, cheese, and other ingredients. Consider using a large one to give yourself plenty of space.
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ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Cutting Boards for Kitchen - Bamboo Cutting Board Set of 3, Cutting Boards with Juice Grooves, Serving Board Set, Thick Chopping Board for Meat, Veggies, Easy Grip Handle
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The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized 100% BPA Free Reversible Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, Juice Grooves, Dishwasher Safe, Easy Grip Handle Border, Food Chopping Boards, Cooking, Black
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A sharp knife is key for clean cuts. Dull knives can ruin the presentation of your beautiful snacks!
imarku Japanese Chef Knife - Sharp Kitchen Knife 8 Inch Chef's Knives HC Steel Paring Knife, Unique Gifts for Men and Women, Gifts for Mom or Dad, Kitchen Gadgets with Premium Gift Box
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MOSFiATA 8" Super Sharp Professional Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, German High Carbon Stainless Steel EN1.4116 with Micarta Handle and Gift Box
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You’ll need a mixing bowl for preparing any sauces. Opt for a bowl that’s easy to handle when mixing ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice.
YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
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Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set
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REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)
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A lovely serving platter enhances the visual appeal of your snacks. Choose one that fits the theme of your holiday décor.
2 Pcs Acrylic Bakery Pastry Display Case with 9'' Serving Tong 14"x6"x4" Rectangular Clear Acrylic Serving Tray Dessert Cake Tray with Lid for Party Banquets
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famiware Serving Platter, Rectangular 15.67/14.1/12.6 inch Serving Dishes for Entertaining, Microwave Dishwasher Safe, Stonware Serving Trays for Party, Turkey, Cheese, Ocean Series, Vanilla White
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vancasso Serving Platters Set of 3, 16"/14"/12" Inch Rectangular Trays - Extra Large, Ceramic Bohemian Serving Dish for Entertaining Food, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, Vintage
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Variations
For a gluten-free version, swap out the crackers for rice cakes or gluten-free breadsticks! 🌾 For a totally plant-based snack, replace the cheeses with cashew or almond-based cheese alternatives, ensuring your **cheese tree** still has that festive flair! Choose fruits like pears and mandarins that are naturally gluten-free and vegan, and you’ll have a spread that everyone can enjoy! 🌱✨
Faq
- What’s the best way to cut the cheese for the cheese tree?
Use a sharp cheese knife or a plain knife. Cut the cheese into different shapes and sizes to create visual interest!
- How can I make my snacks look more festive?
Use colorful ingredients and arrange them in layers. Adding herbs like rosemary can act as garnishes and add a pop of color.
- Can I prepare these snacks ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components a few hours in advance. Just assemble them right before serving for optimal freshness!
- What type of cheese works best for the cheese tree?
A mix of hard and soft cheeses is ideal. Cheddar, Brie, and blue cheese all provide different flavors and textures that guests will love!
- How do I keep the fruits from browning?
To prevent browning, drizzle cut fruits like pears with a bit of lemon juice. This will keep them looking fresh!
- Is there a way to make these snacks more filling?
Absolutely! Serve them with a selection of whole grain crackers or some artisan bread to make them more substantial!