Easy Fiesta Christmas Tree Recipe

Recipe: Easy Fiesta Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Pillsbury.com

Simplest Party Recipe Ever. This recipe would be perfect for not just Christmas but for Australia's National Tree Day and Arbor Day (National Tree Planting Day) in the UK & US! This tree spread would work great for "Go Green" parties and Garden Parties too.


Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day.

Many countries now observe a similar holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese
• Yellow or green bell pepper
• 1 piece (2 inches) green onion
• 1/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves or orange marmalade
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Assorted tortilla chips, crackers or sliced vegetables, if desired

Directions:
1. Cut block of cream cheese diagonally in half; arrange on serving plate with shallow rim to form triangle.
2. Cut star out of bell pepper with star-shaped cookie cutter; place at top of tree. Place green onion piece at base of tree.
3. Mix salsa and preserves; spoon over cream cheese. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tip: Keep this recipe in mind for color theme parties. This recipe would be a GREEN theme food.