# What You’ll Need:
→ Bread
01 - 12 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
→ Cream Cheese Mixture
02 - 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
03 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
04 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
08 - 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
→ Garnishes (optional)
09 - Red bell pepper, diced (for tree ornaments)
10 - Fresh dill fronds or chives (for tree trunks or branches)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth and evenly blended.
02 - Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut shapes from each bread slice, reserving scraps for breadcrumbs.
03 - Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto each bread tree shape.
04 - Arrange cucumber rounds in overlapping layers over the cream cheese to replicate tree branches.
05 - Embellish with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chives to resemble tree trunks or branches.
06 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours prior to serving.
