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Light Holiday Charcuterie Board with Rosemary Trees

light holiday charcuterie board with rosemary trees - featured image
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A festive and healthy charcuterie board featuring rosemary Christmas trees, light cream cheese and goat cheese spread, smoked salmon, turkey roll-ups, fresh fruits, and nuts. Perfect for holiday parties without the heavy feeling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
  • 6 ounces smoked salmon, sliced into thin ribbons
  • 4 ounces turkey breast, thinly sliced and rolled
  • 1 cup grapes, red and green mixed, seedless
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, unsulphured
  • 1/2 cup almonds, raw or lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, halves
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, 6 to 8 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing
  • 1/2 cup small cheese cubes, like cheddar or gouda (for rosemary tree base)
  • Pomegranate seeds, for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rosemary Christmas Trees: Trim the bottom stems of rosemary sprigs so they stand upright. Brush each sprig lightly with olive oil. Arrange 3 to 4 small cheese cubes at the base of each sprig to form a stable tree trunk. If the sprig wobbles, use a toothpick to secure it. Place a few pomegranate seeds on the branches to look like ornaments. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Spreads: In a small bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese and goat cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small serving bowl, drizzle with a little honey, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  3. Arrange the Proteins: Lay the smoked salmon ribbons in a loose pile or fan shape on one side of the board. Roll the turkey slices into tight cylinders and place them next to the salmon.
  4. Add the Cheeses: Cut any remaining block cheese into 1/2-inch cubes and arrange them in small clusters around the board. If using pre-sliced cheese, fold into triangles and place in a row.
  5. Scatter the Fruits and Vegetables: Place grapes, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes in small groups around the board. Tuck cucumber slices between cheese and meat. Aim for balanced colors: reds, greens, and whites.
  6. Add the Nuts and Dried Fruit: Pour almonds, walnuts, and pistachios into small bowls or directly onto the board in small piles. Place dried apricots nearby.
  7. Position the Rosemary Trees: Insert the rosemary Christmas trees into the cheese spread bowl or place them directly on the board near the center. Ensure they stand upright and visible.
  8. Drizzle and Finish: Drizzle honey over the goat cheese spread and some of the fruit. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the entire board. Add extra pomegranate seeds for color.

Notes

Keep ingredients cold until assembly. Trim rosemary sprigs with at least 2 inches of stem below leaves for stability. Balance colors for visual appeal. Do not overcrowd the board. Use honey sparingly. Can prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance; assemble just before serving. Rosemary trees can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday charcuterie board, light appetizer, rosemary Christmas trees, healthy party food, festive grazing board

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/light-holiday-charcuterie-board-with-rosemary-trees/