Christmas Tree Veggie Appetizer

I had the privilege to be recorded for another edition of Recipe Box through KTVA Channel 11’s morning show Daybreak! (Here was our first TV segment.)

Sierra and Rick, her “camera guy” came out to my house this morning to shoot some footage for an upcoming show. Sierra said she wanted me to make something holiday-themed, and my mind immediately went to an appetizer I’ve made multiple times over the years. I can’t say it is too healthy, but it is definitely delicious and a hit every time I bring it to a gathering.

Cullen was right there to help the entire time! This was a good recipe for him to help me with because there were quite a few things he could do, plus it was quick and easy. He was definitely more talkative this time around and kept saying, “Mama sing ‘Baa Baa Sheep.'” (That’s “Baa Baa Black Sheep” for those of you who don’t speak Cullen.)

Christmas Tree Veggie Appetizer

Serves: 16

Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 packages (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls

1 package (8 ounces) Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon dill

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup broccoli florets, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped

1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Open crescent rolls but leave dough as a roll. Cut each roll into 8 pieces, for a total of 16 pieces.
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place rolls cut-side up in the shape of a Christmas tree with one roll at the top, 2 rolls under neath that, followed by 3 pieces, 4, and finally 5 rolls on the bottom row. You will have one roll leftover for the stump of the tree.
4. Bake crescent rolls for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.
5. While the rolls are baking, add Greek yogurt cream cheese and sour cream to a stand-up mixer. Stir until combined and smooth. Add dill and garlic powder until incorporated.
6. Cut broccoli, celery, and red pepper into small pieces.
7. One the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for several minutes. Once cooled, spread cream cheese-sour cream mixture over entire tree. Sprinkle veggies on top.

I did try to add a healthier component by using Greek yogurt cream cheese to save on some calories and grams of fat. I have also used the reduced-fat crescent rolls and reduced-fat sour cream. Either way it is a festive-themed food to bring to your next party!