1 large English cucumber, sliced into thick rounds
1 block of sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces
12 pretzel sticks, broken in half
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped chives, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or a small spatula to whip the mixture until it is completely smooth and the herbs are evenly distributed. This will act as the glue and the flavorful center of your trees.
Wash the cucumber and slice it into rounds about half an inch thick. These will serve as the sturdy base for your trees. Take your block of cheddar cheese and use a small star shaped cookie cutter to punch out 12 stars. These will be placed at the very top of each appetizer for that classic Christmas look.
Take one slice of beef salami and spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over one side. Fold the slice in half, then fold it again into a small triangle or ruffle shape. Repeat this with a second slice. Thread the folded meat onto a toothpick or a sturdy pretzel stick, stacking them to create a tiered, tree-like appearance.
Press the bottom of the toothpick or pretzel stick into the center of a cucumber round so it stands upright. Place the cheddar cheese star on the very top of the stick. If you have extra cream cheese, you can add a tiny dot to the top of the star to mimic a dusting of snow. Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately.
