2 easy-to-make snacks

Santa hats

Ingredients (makes 10-12 Santa hats)

*Bananas: 2-3

*Medium strawberries: 10-12

*Mini marshmallows: 10-12

*Toothpicks

Method

*To make the base, peel the bananas and cut them into thick, even slices (about 1.5-2 cm). Arrange the slices flat on a plate.

*Wash the strawberries and remove the green leafy tops. The pointed end will form the tip of Santa’s hat.

*Place a strawberry on top of each banana slice, flat side down.

*Push a toothpick through the banana and the strawberry. After this, push a mini marshmallow on top to complete the Santa-hat shape.

*These snacks could be enjoyed immediately. Or, refrigerate them for up to 1 hour before serving.

Christmas trees

Ingredients (makes 6 trees)

*Salted crackers: 6

*Large cucumber: 1

*Cream cheese (softened): 2-3 tbsp

*Carrot: 1

*Small star-shaped cookie cutter

*Vegetable peeler

*Toothpicks or decorative skewers

Method

*Slice the carrot into discs about ½ cm thick. Use a small star cutter to press out ‘carrot stars’. Set them aside.

*Use a vegetable peeler to shave long, thin cucumber ribbons. Pat them dry lightly with a tissue so they’re not watery.

*Take one cucumber ribbon and fold it back and forth, making smaller “layers” as you go, forming a conical shape.

*Put a small dollop of cream cheese onto each cracker. Place the cucumber tree on the cream cheese so it sticks firmly.

*Slide a carrot star on the toothpick or mini skewer.

*Slide the toothpick down from the top of the tree to the cracker, to hold the tree shape.

*Arrange the trees on a platter. Enjoy the crunchy holiday snack.