Holidays & Occasions Christmas Christmas Recipes Christmas Appetizers Christmas Relish Tree 5.0 (2) 2 Reviews Don't call it a comeback. A retro relish tree will be the talk of any holiday party. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on December 14, 2024 Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell Active Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hr Servings: 12 Jump to recipe If you want to turn heads at your Christmas party, this towering, edible Christmas relish tree is just the ticket. Straight from the pages of our holiday issue way back in 1984, this tree is part crafting project, part vintage recipe. You start by wrapping a styrofoam cone with kale, then you add crudité "ornaments" on picks, such as cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, and even radish roses. We added a twist that our 1984 counterparts did not, but we think you’ll approve of the peeled cooked shrimp tucked in here and there amongst the greenery. Surrounded by a moat of Chunky Onion Dip, this Christmas appetizer is extremely 1980s and bodaciously tasty. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 2 bunches curly kale Florist picks 1 (9-inch) styrofoam cone, about 1 1/2 feet tall 1 carton cherry tomatoes 1 zucchini, sliced 1/2 head cauliflower, separated into florets 4 carrots, cut into 2-in. sticks Wooden picks Radishes Directions Remove and discard kale stems. Begin to form the tree by attaching leaves to the bottom of the cone with florist picks, and move upward, completely covering the cone with kale. Attach vegetables to kale-covered cone with wooden picks, arranging in desired pattern to resemble a decorated Christmas tree. Using a small paring knife, trim the stem and root end of each radish. Working your way around the radish from bottom to top, make a series of shallow cuts to create ‘petals’ all around the radish. Place radish roses in a bowl of ice water for 15 minutes. Place tree on a tray or cake stand; arrange radish roses and extra vegetables around the base if desired. Rate It Print