Here we are at the beginning of December, which is the biggest celebratory month of the entire year! In today's episode of Foodie Friday, I am sharing with you one of my most favorite and impressive holiday party appetizers, The Living Christmas Tree, which is a perfect centerpiece and healthy conversation starter for any festive occasion. Putting this tree together is also a fun way to get kids involved in helping with your party preparations!
To put together your Living Christmas Tree (page 63 of Raw For The Holidays), you'll need:
One Styrofoam Cone (they come in several sizes, so choose a larger size if you have a larger number of guests) and Toothpicks:
Holiday Themed Mini-Cookie Cutters, if desired:
Lots of Leafy Greens to cover the cone:
Clean, cut and prepare a variety of veggies with which to decorate your tree:
Decorate the Living Christmas Tree as you would a real holiday tree, using toothpicks to secure the veggies in place:
Use the Living Tree as a table decoration or centerpiece at your holiday event:
For the Cheddar Spread:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked one hour & drained
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon cashew or tahini butter
1 generous tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 scant teaspoon sea salt
water, only as needed to blend
In a food processor or blender combine all ingredients until completely smooth.
I also suggest these dips to serve alongside the tree:
Pumpkin Seed Cheese Dip (Falling Into Raw - page 34)
Chipotle Hummus (Falling Into Raw - page 34)
Smokey Guacamole (Falling Into Raw - page 31)
And be sure to check out the other offerings in our Dips & Nut Pate section in the Raw Food Rehab Kitchen! There is a Live Ranch dip & an amazing walnut pate in that section that are DELISH!