An artistic arrangement combining bread, cream cheese, pretzels, and fruit leather into cactus shapes.
# Components:
→ Base
01 - 1 sturdy loaf of bread (such as sourdough boule or round rye)
02 - 7 oz herbed cream cheese or hummus for vegan option
→ Cactus Needles
03 - 30 to 40 long pretzel sticks or fresh rosemary sprigs, rinsed and dried
→ Flowers
04 - 2 sheets red or pink fruit leather (strawberry or raspberry)
05 - 1 small sheet yellow fruit leather or dried mango strip (optional for flower centers)
→ Garnish
06 - 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
07 - Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Slice a small portion off the bottom of the bread loaf to create a flat, stable base and place it on a serving platter.
02 - Generously spread herbed cream cheese or hummus over the top and sides of the bread to help secure the cactus needles.
03 - Insert pretzel sticks or rosemary sprigs vertically into the bread in clusters, varying height and angle to resemble cactus arms and branches.
04 - Cut flower shapes from red or pink fruit leather using small cookie cutters or scissors. Attach a small circle of yellow fruit leather or dried mango in the center if desired.
05 - Press the fruit leather flowers gently onto the tops and sides of the pretzel cactus, adhering them with a dab of cream cheese or hummus if needed.
06 - Arrange cucumber rounds around the base of the loaf to mimic cactus pads and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
07 - Present immediately as an interactive edible centerpiece, allowing guests to break off pieces to enjoy.
