Recipe: Holiday Tuna Tree (cream cheese spread)

HOLIDAY TUNA TREE

3 cans (6 oz each) solid white tuna packed in water
2 pkgs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped ripe olives
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Crackers (for serving)
OPTIONAL, FOR DECORATING:
Small parsley leaves, red and green bell pepper cut into stars, and lemon wedges

Spray an appropriate (usually a Christmas tree) 4-cup mold with Pam.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and tuna. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Place in mold and refrigerate. Unmold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

For a Christmas tree mold, decorate with garlands of small parsley leaves, pieces of red and green bell pepper cut into stars, and a lemon wedge.

Makes 12 servings
Source: Chicken of the Sea Tuna, 1990