# 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 (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
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 mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, black pepper, and orange zest. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
02 - Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on the work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to mold it into a cone or triangle resembling a Christmas tree.
03 - Carefully transfer the sculpted cheese onto a serving platter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface evenly.
04 - Press chopped dried cranberries, pistachios, and pomegranate seeds onto the surface of the cheese tree, allowing some areas to remain exposed for contrast.
05 - Sprinkle chopped rosemary and parsley over the cheese. Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs to simulate pine needles, then finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
06 - Place assorted crackers and optional vegetable crudités around the base of the cheese tree for serving.
07 - Chill the assembled cheese tree for at least 30 minutes to firm, or serve immediately according to preference.
