This veggie tree is a "hit" of the party; use any type of vegetable or fruit you want to use with your favorite dip. The veggie tree can be used at any type of party; change the decoration on the tray to reflect holiday or occasion. This one was for Christmas.
For the veggie tree - wrap styrofoam cone with curly lettuce; insert 1/2 toothpick into the veggie to place on the cone; start at the bottom; layer veggies cut to size if applicable (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, carrots,etc.); use a cherry tomato at the top.
For the fruit tree - cut apple slices and soak them in lemon juice; wrap styrofoam cone with curly lettuce or kale leaves; place 1/2 toothpick into apple to stick into the cone; layer fruit from the bottom; use a piece of star fruit at the top.
To display:
Use a tray with a side on it; layer with rock salt; place "decorated" cone in the center; decorate with resin figurines and figures; you can use small pine boughs, holly leaves to decorate tray; on one side, place a small bowl to hold dip; on the other side a small toothpick holder to hold toothpicks. A small votive candle could be placed on the display if the tray is large enough.
Dips for veggie tree could be bottled salad dressing or homemade; fruit dips can be bought at the grocery store or homemade.
It is a conversation piece plus a healthy snack for holiday enjoyment.
By WandaJo from TN
Very cute! Another idea is in a large rectangle pan, pour a bottle of ranch dressing and cover the bottom, then make a Christmas tree out of broccoli, surround it by cauliflower to make 'snow', and 'decorate' the tree with carrot slices, pepper slices or strips to make garland, cherry tomatoes etc. Be creative! It's always a big hit! Only problem with these kind of veggie platters is that people don't like to ruin them!!
