Pin It A beautiful, festive appetizer platter featuring a white dove made from creamy cheese and an assortment of olives, perfect for holiday gatherings.
This platter was a hit at our last Christmas party and brought everyone together around the table.
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Ingredients
- For the Dove: 200 g cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 tsp salt, Pinch of white pepper, 1 small carrot (for beak and feet), 2 black peppercorns (for eyes)
- For the Olive Platter: 150 g green olives, pitted, 150 g black olives, pitted, 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted, 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 small cucumber, sliced, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and olive branches)
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving platter, mound the cheese mixture into the shape of a dove, using a spatula or spoon. Smooth the surface gently.
- Step 3:
- Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the dove's beak and two tiny pieces for the feet. Place them appropriately on the dove shape.
- Step 4:
- Press the black peppercorns onto the dove for the eyes.
- Step 5:
- Arrange the green, black, and Kalamata olives in clusters around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
- Step 6:
- Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices artistically around the platter for color and freshness.
- Step 7:
- Drizzle the olives and vegetables lightly with olive oil.
- Step 8:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches in the dove's beak or around the platter.
- Step 9:
- Chill until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.
Pin It This platter always brings a warm feeling to our holiday family gatherings and sparks lots of compliments.
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Notes
Use a piping bag for more detailed shaping of the dove if desired. Swap in herbed goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Serve alongside gluten-free crackers for a fully gluten-free platter. Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra color and flavor.
Required Tools
Large serving platter, Small mixing bowl, Spatula or spoon, Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt). Check olive packaging for possible allergen cross-contamination. Gluten-free if served without bread/crackers or with gluten-free options.
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This easy holiday appetizer is sure to impress without stress, perfect for any festive occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How is the dove shape formed?
The creamy cheese mixture is molded by hand using a spatula or spoon into a smooth dove shape, with details added using carrot pieces and black peppercorns for eyes.
- → What types of olives are used?
Green, black, and Kalamata olives are arranged in clusters around the cheese to create a festive border resembling olive branches.
- → Can this platter be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dove and olive arrangement can be made ahead and chilled until serving, allowing flavors to meld and presentation to stay fresh.
- → What garnishes enhance the platter?
Fresh rosemary sprigs are added to resemble olive branches, while cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices provide color and crispness.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the platter itself contains no gluten; just serve without bread or choose gluten-free crackers as accompaniments.
- → Can the cheese mixture be varied?
Yes, substituting herbed goat cheese instead of cream cheese creates a tangier flavor variation for the dove centerpiece.
