PLAIN CHRISTMAS TREE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces and set aside. On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares (you’ll need 33 total). Wrap a dough square around each piece of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (they should be touching). Brush egg wash on dough balls and bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan and herbs. Brush on baked pizza balls. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.

Steps:

• Create an outline of a tree shape using the grapes on a cutting board or serving platter. Begin at the top point of the tree and fan the grapes out into a triangular pattern. Create 3 triangular sections, each slightly larger than the last. Fill in each section with kiwi slices.
• Arrange sliced strawberries across the tree shape to create a garland effect. Add pomegranate seeds randomly all over the arranged fruit to look like ornaments.
• Place pineapple slices onto a cutting board. Use small cookie cutters to cut out a star shape and some several small ornament shapes. Place the star at the top of the tree shape, and decorate the rest of the tree with the pineapple ornaments.
• Arrange dates at the bottom of the tree to look like a trunk. Serve immediately, or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.