Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

2-8 ounce cartons Tofutti Better Than Cream Cheese, slightly softened at room temperature

1/4 cup finely grated plant-based cheese (grated or pre-grated)

1 bunch chives, very finely chopped or snipped (about 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon plant-based Worcestershire sauce (most organic brands are plant-based)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Decoration: nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, small grape tomato halves, minced parsley and a few sprigs, rosemary sprigs, olives, diced roasted red bell peppers, star anise, etc.

Accompaniments: crackers or sliced cucumbers

Directions:

Tear off about 12-inches plastic wrap and lay flat on counter. Place all ingredients, except decorations and accompaniments, in medium bowl. Mash together a few times with a dinner fork and then use your hands, like working dough, to gently combine all ingredients into a smooth mixture. Avoid over-working, as the mixture needs to be firm enough to shape.

Form into a cone or tree-shape with your hands. Lie it on its side on plastic wrap. Roll along the length of wrap to cover sides, shaping as you go. Smooth excess at bottom to the side so the tree can sit flat in refrigerator and twist top. Refrigerate a couple hours or overnight.

When ready to decorate, unwrap, place in center of serving plate, and press nuts, seeds, etc. into the surface in any pattern you desire. Create a tree-topper using parsley sprigs, star anise, or the like. Refrigerate again, if desired, until serving time, but avoid allowing nuts to get soggy.

Serve accompanied by crackers or sliced cucumbers.

*Created exclusively for Tofutti Brands, Inc. by Betsy DiJulio of The Blooming Platter.