ANTIPASTO CHRISTMAS TREE
4 cups broccoli florets, about 1 lb. Toothpicks 1 (12x4-inch) green Styrofoam cone, wrapped in green plastic wrap 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 lb. marinated bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) 5 oz. pepperoni, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices 3/4 cup drained pitted black olives, preferably Kalamata 1 (3-inch wide) piece yellow bell pepper FOR THE CREAMY PESTO CAPER DIP: 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup pesto 2 tablespoons drained capers 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add broccoli; cook until just tender, 2 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water until cool. Drain; with paper towels, pat dry.
TO ASSEMBLE: Insert toothpick into broccoli floret. Starting at bottom, insert toothpick into cone. Repeat, making rows with tomatoes, mozzarella and pepperoni to cover cone completely. Insert olives around tree.
With a 2-inch star-shaped cutter, cut star from bell pepper piece. Insert toothpick into edge; insert into tree top. Serve with Creamy Pesto Caper Dip in a bowl alongside.
TO MAKE THE CREAMY PESTO CAPER DIP: Whisk together sour cream, pesto, capers, milk and lemon zest. |