Cheese and Cracker Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (220 g each) of cottage cheese at room temperature
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 tsp. grated lemon zest
• 5 cups (about 450 g) of any semi-hard cheese, coarsely grated
• Coarse salt
• 1 large breadstick
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup fine bread straws (about 40 pieces)
• 1/2 cup mini crackers (about 45 pieces)
• 1/4 cup sliced ​​almonds
• 2 tbsp. l. pomegranate seeds
• 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan
• Crackers for serving

Preparation:

1. Ingredients needed
   
   Here's all you need for this spectacular holiday appetizer: cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, grated cheese, salted breadsticks, chopped fresh parsley, mini graham crackers, sliced ​​almonds, and pomegranate seeds.
2. Make a cheeseball
   
   Combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, grated semi-hard cheese and salt to taste in the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. Basic design
   
   It won't look like wood at first—don't worry. You need to create support. Place some of the cheese mixture on a plate in a mound, large enough to hold a large breadstick securely.
4. Form a tree
   
   It's time to play with food! Form a cone with your hands to form the base of the future tree. Save some of the cheese mixture to cover the top of the breadstick.
5. Add some color
   
   To transform the cheese from a white cone into a Christmas tree, press chopped parsley onto the surface with your hand. Avoid leaving any white spots.
6. Cool it down
   
   Give your cheese tree time to rest and harden in the refrigerator before you continue decorating.
7. Add branches
   
   Add breadcrumbs, mini-graham crackers, and slivered almonds on all sides. Press them down gently to prevent the tree from tipping over.
8. Add a garland
   
   What's a Christmas tree without garland? Even better if it's edible. For festive "lights," press pomegranate seeds between the branches.
9. The finishing touches
   
   The look will be completed with Parmesan “snow”.
10. Decorate the top
    
    Like a holiday tree, this one needs a topping—place a slice of almond on top. Serve with crackers and watch as your friends and family devour your creation.