1 large cucumber, cut into thick rounds for the base
1 block of Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into stars
Instructions
Start by slicing a large cucumber into thick rounds, about one inch thick. These will act as the sturdy base for your edible trees. Place the cucumber rounds on your serving platter. If the cucumber is slippery, you can pat it dry with a paper towel to ensure the skewers stay upright during the party.
Take your beef salami slices and fold them into quarters or fan shapes. This creates volume and makes the meat look like textured evergreen branches. Prepare your cheddar cubes and mozzarella pearls by ensuring they are uniform in size. Using a small star shaped cutter, punch out 12 stars from the Monterey Jack cheese slices to serve as your tree toppers.
Begin threading your ingredients onto the wooden skewer. Start with a grape at the bottom, followed by a folded piece of beef salami. Next, add a cube of cheddar cheese, another piece of folded meat, and then a mozzarella pearl. Add a green olive toward the top to provide a pop of color that looks like a Christmas ornament. Leave about an inch of space at the very top of the skewer.
Carefully slide a small sprig of fresh rosemary into the center of the skewer, tucking it behind the meat and cheese to resemble pine needles. Finally, cap the top of the skewer with your cheese star. Once the skewer is fully assembled, press the bottom end of the wooden stick firmly into the center of a cucumber round so the tree stands tall and proud.
