A visually stunning breadstick centerpiece with colorful vegetables, cured meats, and cheeses arranged like fractal branches.
# Components:
→ Bread Trunk
01 - 1 large breadstick, approximately 12 inches long
→ Main Branches
02 - 8 thin grissini breadsticks, approximately 8 inches long
03 - 8 wooden skewers, 8 inches long, for structural support
→ Secondary Branches
04 - 16 cocktail sticks, approximately 4 inches long
05 - 12 baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
06 - 12 mini cucumbers or cucumber spears
07 - 12 cherry tomatoes
→ Tertiary Twigs and Leaves
08 - 1.75 ounces hard cheese, such as aged gouda or cheddar, cut into 3/8-inch cubes
09 - 1.75 ounces mild cheese, such as mozzarella pearls
10 - 1.75 ounces cured meats, thinly sliced salami or prosciutto, rolled
11 - 12 green olives, pitted
12 - 12 black olives, pitted
13 - 1 small bunch fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or microgreens
→ Optional
14 - Dipping sauce or olive oil for serving
# Directions:
01 - Clear a large, sturdy platter or cutting board for assembly. Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cold water and dry to prevent sogginess. Trim carrots and cucumber ends to create flat edges for easier assembly. Cut cheeses into uniform 3/8-inch cubes. Roll cured meat slices tightly. Ensure all components are dry, vibrant, and bite-sized.
02 - Place the largest breadstick vertically or slightly diagonal on the platter as the structural anchor. Ensure it is stable and centered. If it rolls, wedge a small piece of bread or cheese underneath for support.
03 - Space 4 grissini breadsticks or wooden skewers evenly on each side of the trunk, angling them upward and outward like branches. Insert ends gently under the breadstick trunk, using small amounts of soft cheese or folded herb leaves as edible adhesive if necessary. Ensure branches are stable and not overcrowded to allow space for additional elements.
04 - Thread baby carrots, cucumber spears, and cherry tomatoes onto cocktail sticks. Attach these shorter skewers to main branches at decreasing intervals and varying upward angles to mimic natural fractal branching. Secure bases under or beside main branches with tiny cheese cubes if needed. Branches should taper outward with progressively smaller elements.
05 - Skewer cheese cubes, olives, and rolled cured meats onto smallest picks or cocktail sticks. Position these at outer tips of secondary branches to fill empty areas, enhancing color and texture contrast. Tuck small sprigs of fresh herbs or microgreens among the pieces to simulate leaves, creating a lush, balanced appearance with clear fractal patterning.
06 - Inspect the structure from all angles, adjusting components for symmetry and stability. Serve immediately with dipping sauce or olive oil on the side. Reinforce any loose parts with additional cheese cubes or herb wedges to prevent collapse during handling.
