The holiday season is all about spreading joy and celebrating with loved ones. What better way to embrace the festive spirit than by creating a unique Broccoli & Tomato Christmas Tree centrepiece for your holiday gatherings? In this post, I’ll show you how to craft a delightful Christmas tree using broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. This edible masterpiece not only adds a touch of greenery to your table but also serves as a healthy and delicious appetizer. So, let’s get started on this fun and festive culinary adventure!
Ingredients/Supplies
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs) broccoli florets
- 450 g (1 lb) grape or cherry tomatoes
- 12.4 cm x 30 cm (4.9 in x 11.9 in) styrofoam or recycled plastic cone usually used for crafts & flower arrangements
- plastic wrap/cling film to wrap around the cone
- ~100 toothpicks
- a star ornament for the top of the tree; you can also cut this out of a cheddar cheese block using a star-shaped cookie cutter
Directions
Watch this video to see how to make the Broccoli & Tomato Christmas Tree or read the instructions below.
Start by placing the styrofoam or recycled plastic cone on your work surface. This cone will serve as the base for your Christmas tree.
To protect the cone and make it food-safe, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or cling film. Ensure that you cover the entire surface.
To begin building the base of your tree, take a broccoli floret and insert a toothpick into the stem end. The toothpick will act as a skewer to attach the broccoli to the cone.
Carefully push the toothpick into the plastic-wrapped cone, near the bottom. This will be the starting point of your spiral pattern.
Continue inserting toothpick-skewered broccoli florets in a spiral pattern around the cone. Position the broccoli florets close together as you work your way up. This spiral pattern will give your Christmas tree a unique and elegant appearance.
To add a pop of colour and deliciousness, it’s time to decorate your tree with cherry tomatoes. Just like with the broccoli, insert toothpicks into the top of each tomato and attach them to the broccoli tree in the small gaps in between two broccoli florets.
Keep adding broccoli florets and tomatoes until you reach the top of the cone.
To complete your broccoli and tomato Christmas tree, place a star ornament on the very top. If you don’t have a star ornament, you can get creative by cutting a star shape out of a block of cheddar cheese.
Your festive Christmas tree is now ready to impress your guests. Place it on your holiday table as a stunning centrepiece. To enjoy, simply pluck off the broccoli and tomatoes, dip them in your favourite sauce, and savour the healthy and flavourful bites.
Creating a Broccoli and Tomato Christmas Tree is not only a delightful activity but also a tasty and nutritious addition to your holiday festivities. It’s a perfect way to encourage everyone to eat their greens while celebrating the season. Share the joy, share the goodness, and have a very merry and healthy holiday season!
