A broccoli and tomato “tree” with pretzel “trunk” and cauliflower “snow” are delicious dippers for a cool and creamy dip.

Creamy Herb Dip Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small clove garlic, finely chopped

Directions:

1. In small bowl, stir together dip ingredients.
2. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

Serves: 8

Vegetable Platter
Do not be limited by the recommendations below, use whatever is fresh and would look pretty on this “tree”

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 14 grape tomatoes
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
• 3/4 oz (about 40) pretzel sticks (from 15-oz bag)

Directions:

1. Rinse and thoroughly dry vegetables.
2. Trim broccoli and cauliflower floret stems.
3. Arrange broccoli on serving platter to form tree shape and tomatoes to form garland.
4. Arrange bell pepper to form star.
5. Arrange cauliflower to form snow.
6. If desired, cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours.
7. Just before serving, arrange pretzels at bottom of tree to form trunk.
8. Serve with dip.

Source:  Taste of Australia VPWL December 2014

;