Christmas Cheese Tree

By Peggie

Ingredients

• 5 eight-ounce bars of different cheddars, plain and flavored (or substitute other semi-hard cheeses for variety)
• 1 bundle fresh thyme sprigs
• Red grape or "teardrop" tomatoes (can substitute cherry tomatoes or olives)
• 1 large white button mushroom

Preparation

Step 1

Cut each bar of cheese into 1-inch cubes.

On large platter or cutting board, arrange cubes in rows to form tree shape, using a different flavor for each row. Separate the rows of cheese with thyme or rosemary sprigs (rosemary looks like an evergreen twig) and rows of grape tomatoes and/or pimento-stuffed green olives.

For the star on top, peel the skin from the mushroom and carve a star pattern into it with point of knife.

Enjoy the compliments!