Olive tree appetizer

Hi:

For your convenience you can make this appetizer in the shape of a ball.  I made this for Christmas so that’s why I chose this tree shape.  It’s delicious!!


Note:

I made this olive tree appetizer for Christmas but you can make it any time of the year.

A nice party suggestion.

6 packages Softened cream cheese
1 to 2 packages dry ranch dip.
1 tsp. Crushed dried parsley

Small pieces red pepper (add color)

Celery leaves(for tree color effect)

In a large mixer using dough tool place softened cream cheese.  Add dry dried ranch dip and dried parsley.  Mix until combined.  You may have to change tool to large paddle to blend better.


Instructions:

1. To mould the tree out of your cream cheese dip, you’ll need to place a piece of plastic wrap down on your a large cutting board. Scoop out the prepared dip onto the plastic wrap.
2. Place another piece of plastic wrap over it to cover it and mould it with your hands until it forms a tree. Depending on the width of your plastic wrap, you may need a second piece to completely cover it so you don’t get dip all over your hands.

Suggestions:

1. The cream cheese is more stable in a wider tree shape or ball rather than a tall, thin tree. The taller tree folds over and collapses.
2. If you find your cream cheese has softened too much and won’t hold its shape, refrigerate it until it thickens again.

1. Use your hands to mould the cream cheese into a tree shape. Then, carefully pick up the tree with one hand and peel off the plastic wrap on the bottom of the tree with your other hand. Place the tree straight onto a serving plate.
2. Use a cake spatula and smooth sides.  Gently push various olives into tree in different areas of tree.  I used pieces of celery leaves to add some green to tree and a few red pepper pieces.
   
   
3. Serve with crackers of your choice, salami , cheese and prosciutto slices rolled up!

   ENJOY!

For The Decorations:


• 1 1/2 - 2 cups pitted mixed olives (I use a variety of black, green and Kalamata olives) -- dried with paper towel
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dried with paper towel)red peppers 
• Rosemary leaves/sprigs to decorate (I used the green from the top of celery)
• Ritz, water crackers or pretzels for serving
• Salami slices, for serving
• Prosciutto slices, cheese for serving

From my kitchen to yours,

12/24/18