Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe are delightful treats perfect for festive gatherings. They are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and visually enchanting, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. With customizable components, you can easily adjust the sweetness or add extra toppings to cater to your preferences.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Why Make Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
These Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches not only taste great, but they’re also a festive addition to any holiday spread. The cream cheese provides a creamy texture, while the crushed pineapple adds a sweet and tangy twist. The addition of pomegranate seeds not only enhances the aesthetic but also brings a burst of freshness and a fun crunch. These festive sandwiches are perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, making your table as vibrant as your celebrations.
How to Make Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
16 slices thin white sandwich bread
8 oz cream cheese, divided (4 oz + 4 oz)
3 tablespoons crushed pineapple with the juice
2-3 tablespoons sour cream or mayonnaise
Green food colouring
Pomegranate seeds for decorating
Directions
Cut out 8 Christmas tree shapes from the center of 8 slices of bread, making sure the cookie cutter size fits the slice centers. Then, cut 24 holly leaf shapes from the remaining 8 slices or as many as you can fit based on the cutter size. Divide the cream cheese in half. Mix one half (4 oz) with the crushed pineapple and its juice. Adjust the amount of pineapple until you achieve your desired consistency. Spread this mixture evenly over one set of the bread cut-outs, then top with the remaining bread shapes to form sandwiches. Mix the remaining 4 oz cream cheese with sour cream or mayonnaise until the mixture is spreadable but holds its shape well. Gradually add green food colouring, starting with a tiny amount and increasing slowly until you reach the desired green tone. Using a piping bag fitted with a #67 tip, pipe a green strip along the center of each holly leaf sandwich. Place a couple of pomegranate seeds at one end of each strip to mimic holly berries. With the same piping tip, pipe green strips from the top/center of the sandwich to each tip of the tree to mimic sweeping boughs of an evergreen. Position a pomegranate seed at the tip of each bough to resemble decorations. Keep the decorated sandwiches chilled until ready to serve. These sandwiches can be prepared a day ahead and stored airtight in the refrigerator overnight for convenience and freshness.
How to Serve Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
Serve these festive sandwiches on a large platter, surrounded by seasonal fruits or nuts for a beautiful presentation. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or a bowl of seasonal soup, making them an ideal addition to a holiday tea or brunch spread. For an extra treat, consider serving with festive beverages such as hot apple cider or sparkling pomegranate punch.
How to Store Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
To store these delightful sandwiches, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you’ve made them ahead of time, they can be assembled the day before serving. For longer storage, these sandwiches may not freeze well due to the cream cheese, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
Expert Tips for Cooking Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, particularly with the cream cheese and pineapple.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of pineapple in the cream cheese mixture.
- Experiment with different food colorings to create unique shades of green for the decorations.
- Ensure your piping bag is filled properly to avoid mess when decorating.
- For a cleaner finish, chill the decorated sandwiches briefly before serving, allowing the cream cheese to firm up.
Delicious Variations of Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
Consider adding herbs like dill or chives to the cream cheese mixture for a savory twist. For a spicier version, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or horseradish cream. If you’d like a citrusy flavor, a splash of lemon or orange juice can brighten up the filling perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe
What can I substitute for cream cheese? You can use goat cheese or hummus for a new flavor profile.
Can I use whole wheat bread instead? Yes, whole wheat bread can be a great healthier alternative.
How long can I keep the sandwiches in the fridge? They can stay fresh for up to two days when stored properly.
Conclusion
Try making Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches with Pineapple Cream Cheese and Pomegranate Decorations Recipe for your next festive gathering. Their delightful flavors and charming appearance will surely enchant your guests, adding a delicious and memorable touch to your celebrations. Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of these festive treats!
Christmas Tree and Holly Shaped Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
Method
- Cut out 8 Christmas tree shapes from the center of 8 slices of bread, making sure the cookie cutter size fits the slice centers.
- Then, cut 24 holly leaf shapes from the remaining 8 slices or as many as you can fit based on the cutter size.
- Divide the cream cheese in half. Mix one half (4 oz) with the crushed pineapple and its juice. Adjust the amount of pineapple until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Spread this mixture evenly over one set of the bread cut-outs, then top with the remaining bread shapes to form sandwiches.
- Mix the remaining 4 oz cream cheese with sour cream or mayonnaise until the mixture is spreadable but holds its shape well.
- Gradually add green food coloring, starting with a tiny amount and increasing slowly until you reach the desired green tone.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a #67 tip, pipe a green strip along the center of each holly leaf sandwich.
- Place a couple of pomegranate seeds at one end of each strip to mimic holly berries.
- With the same piping tip, pipe green strips from the top/center of the sandwich to each tip of the tree to mimic sweeping boughs of an evergreen.
- Position a pomegranate seed at the tip of each bough to resemble decorations.
- Keep the decorated sandwiches chilled until ready to serve.
- These sandwiches can be prepared a day ahead and stored airtight in the refrigerator overnight for convenience and freshness.
