1 star fruit, sliced into a star shape, or a thick slice of cheese cut into a star
1/2 cup pretzel sticks for the tree trunk
1 package of assorted round and square crackers
Instructions
Start with a large rectangular wooden board or a flat platter. At the bottom center of the board, place a small bundle of pretzel sticks or a few rectangular crackers to create the trunk of your tree. This serves as the foundation for the triangular shape you are about to build upward.
Directly above the trunk, create a wide horizontal row of folded beef salami. Make sure the row is slightly wider than the trunk to begin the base of the triangle. Above the meat, place a row of sharp cheddar cheese cubes, ensuring they are slightly shorter in length than the row below to begin tapering the shape.
Place a row of green seedless grapes above the cheese. To emphasize the holiday theme, tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary between the layers so they peek out like pine branches. Follow the grapes with a row of folded smoked turkey slices, continuing to narrow the width as you move toward the top of the board.
Add a row of mozzarella pearls or white cheese cubes to represent snow. Follow this with a row of red grapes or green olives for a pop of color. The alternating colors and textures keep the eye moving and make the tree look decorated. Continue this pattern of meat, cheese, and fruit until you reach a single point at the top.
Place your star fruit slice or cheese star at the very peak of the triangle. Look over the board for any empty spaces and fill them with roasted almonds or extra rosemary sprigs. Place the crackers in bowls on the side or artfully arranged around the base of the tree to represent gifts under the branches.
