Cheese & Olive Christmas Tree

 Ingredients:

• 500g cream cheese, slightly softened
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped chives
• 200g olives
• Sprigs of fresh rosemary
• Assorted crackers

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped chives. Mix until all ingredients are fully blended.

2. Lay one sheet of plastic wrap on a cutting board, then place another sheet of plastic wrap across it to form a cross. Pile the cream cheese mixture in the center.

3. Use the cling wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a Christmas tree, standing it upright. Wrap it tightly in the cling wrap and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until firm.

4. Once chilled, remove the cling wrap and transfer the cheese tree to a serving platter or cake stand.

5. Pat the olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade, then decorate the cheese tree with olives and rosemary sprigs.

6. Surround the tree with assorted crackers. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.