Christmas Tree Cheese Platter

Are you looking for a fun yet simple appetizer idea for the holiday season?  I have a cheese tray that doesn't take long to put together and will be the perfect addition to your festive buffet. 

• 1/2 lb / 200 g Cheddar Cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb / 200 g  Smoked Gouda Cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb / 200 g Monterey Jack Cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 lb / 200 g 200 g Swiss  Cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 lb (450 g) each seedless green and red grapes
• 1 pkg (40 g) fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 yellow pepper (use star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out tree-topper) 

1. Arrange cheese cubes and grapes in rows on a large wooden board or platter in a Christmas tree shape.
2. Add sprigs of greenery.
3. Cut tree trunk (2 or 3 inches) from celery stalk and place at bottom of tree.
4. Place star-shaped piece of yellow pepper at top of tree.

  

On Wednesday night we hosted a cooking class featuring Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies at Lepp Farm Market.  The guests enjoyed hot apple cider and appetizers while the cookie demonstrations took place.  We prepared a Christmas Tree Cheese Platter for them, using cheeses that the market deli had chosen and cubed for us in advance.   But one could substitute any cheese.  A small cheese ball also works well as a tree-topper.  Add the best crackers, and enjoy your party-worthy cheese platter!

Enjoy!