Festive Pesto Christmas Tree

Your guests will enjoy this easy holiday appetizer for both its taste and festive presentation.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1/4 cup refrigerated basil pesto sauce
1/2 of a crispy-style breadstick (optional)
Red bell pepper, chopped (optional garnish)
Stuffed green olives, sliced
Assorted crackers for accompaniment

Cooking Directions:

1. Cut cream cheese in half diagonally. Place triangles together to form Christmas tree shape on serving plate.
2. Top with pesto sauce. Insert breadstick at base of triangle for "tree trunk." If desired, use chopped red bell pepper spooned on as garland and sliced stuffed green olives as "ornaments" to decorate the "tree".
3. Serve as a spread for assorted crackers.

Makes 8 appetizer servings.