Save A stunning centerpiece featuring soft pretzels arranged in a tree shape, garnished with an assortment of savory bites—perfect for sharing at parties or festive gatherings.
This cozy chicken stew has been a family favorite for years and always brings comfort on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Pretzels: 500 g all-purpose flour, 7 g instant dry yeast, 1 ½ tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 300 ml warm water, 40 g unsalted butter melted, 3 tbsp baking soda (for boiling), Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
- Savory Accompaniments: 150 g Emmental or Gruyère cheese cubed, 150 g cured meats (e.g. prosciutto, salami) sliced (optional for vegetarians), 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 cucumber sliced, 100 g cherry tomatoes halved, 100 g green olives, 100 g baby radishes, Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) for garnish
- Dips: 100 g Dijon mustard, 100 g cream cheese, 50 g honey (for honey-mustard dip optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and melted butter. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 2:
- Cover the dough and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Step 3:
- Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 4:
- On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 8–10 pieces. Roll each into a long rope (about 40 cm), then shape into pretzels.
- Step 5:
- Bring a pot of water to a simmer. Add baking soda. Briefly dip each pretzel into the simmering water for 20–30 seconds, then transfer to the baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a rack.
- Step 7:
- Arrange the pretzels on a large wooden board or platter in the shape of a tree (arbre de vie), using the pretzels as branches.
- Step 8:
- Artfully arrange cheese, cured meats (if using), vegetables, olives, and radishes among and around the pretzels to create a lush, colorful tree effect. Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Step 9:
- Serve with small bowls of Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and optional honey-mustard dip.
Save Gathering around this savory platter always sparks lively conversations and laughter among family and friends.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional), Pot for boiling, Slotted spoon, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Sharp knife, Large wooden board or platter
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), milk (butter, cheese), possible mustard. Cured meats may contain nitrates/nitrites. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 340 per serving. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 48 g. Protein: 12 g.
Save Serve this beautiful platter fresh for the best texture and flavor experience.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do you achieve the pretzel's distinctive crust?
Briefly dipping the shaped pretzels into simmering baking soda water before baking gives them their signature chewy crust and color.
- → Can the platter be prepared in advance?
Pretzels can be made a day ahead and reheated briefly; cheeses and vegetables should be added fresh before serving.
- → What dips pair well with this arrangement?
Dijon mustard, cream cheese, and a honey-mustard blend complement the flavors and textures beautifully.
- → Is there a vegetarian version possible?
Yes, omit cured meats and use plant-based butter for the dough to suit vegetarian or vegan preferences.
- → How is the tree shape assembled?
After baking and cooling, pretzels are arranged on a large board to mimic branches, then garnished with accompaniments to form a lush centerpiece.