# Components:
→ Cheese Base
01 - 8.8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 4.2 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 1 tbsp honey
04 - 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
05 - Zest of 1/2 orange
→ Toppings & Decoration
06 - 1.8 oz dried cranberries, roughly chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
08 - 1 oz pistachios, roughly chopped
09 - Seeds of 1 small pomegranate
10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
→ Serving
12 - Assorted crackers or gluten-free crackers
13 - Vegetable crudités (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, black pepper, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and well blended.
02 - Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to shape it into a cone or triangle resembling a Christmas tree.
03 - Transfer the shaped cheese tree to a serving platter. Smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
04 - Press chopped cranberries, chopped pistachios, and pomegranate seeds onto the cheese tree, allowing some areas to overlap and others to remain uncovered for visual interest.
05 - Sprinkle chopped rosemary and parsley over the tree for a festive, green look. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
06 - Arrange crackers and/or vegetable crudités around the base of the cheese tree.
07 - Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up, or serve immediately if preferred.
