Creamy dove-shaped cheese surrounded by olives, tomatoes, and cucumber for a festive, elegant appetizer.
# What You Need:
→ For the Dove
01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - Pinch of white pepper
05 - 1 small carrot (for beak and feet)
06 - 2 black peppercorns (for eyes)
→ For the Olive Platter
07 - 5.3 oz green olives, pitted
08 - 5.3 oz black olives, pitted
09 - 3.5 oz Kalamata olives, pitted
10 - 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 small cucumber, sliced
12 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
13 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and olive branches)
# Steps:
01 - Combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, and white pepper in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.
02 - On a large serving platter, form the cheese mixture into the shape of a dove using a spatula or spoon, smoothing the surface gently.
03 - Cut a small triangle from the carrot for the beak and two tiny pieces for feet; place them appropriately on the dove.
04 - Press the black peppercorns onto the dove to create eyes.
05 - Cluster green, black, and Kalamata olives around the dove to form branches and a festive border.
06 - Distribute cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices artistically around the platter for color and freshness.
07 - Lightly drizzle the olives and vegetables with extra virgin olive oil.
08 - Place fresh rosemary sprigs to resemble olive branches in the dove’s beak or around the platter.
09 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Optionally, accompany with crackers or sliced baguette.
