Sleigh the Snacks: Festive Bites to Dazzle Your Guests this Christmas

Christmas is here and it’s the perfect time to 'sleigh' your snack game with treats that are as festive as they are delicious. Whether you're throwing a party or cosying up with loved ones, these creative recipes will bring a touch of magic to your table. From savoury delights to sweet indulgences, these snacks are sure to be the star of your celebrations!

Ingredients:

• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 3-4 tbsp pesto or concentrated tomato purée
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• Star-shaped cheese (for decoration)
• Bamboo skewers (soaked in water)

Instructions:

1. Shape the Trees: Unroll the puff pastry and cut it into strips about 2 cm wide and 24 cm long. Spread a thin layer of pesto or tomato purée over each strip.
2. Fold & Skewer: Zigzag each strip into a tree shape and secure it by inserting a bamboo skewer through the centre.
3. Bake to Perfection: Place the skewers on a baking tray, brush with beaten egg yolk, and bake at 180°C in your Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven for 25 minutes or until golden.
4. Add the Sparkle: Top each tree with a star-shaped piece of cheese for a festive finishing touch.

A whimsical party snack or starter that’s guaranteed to delight!

Ingredients:

• 5 triangles of Brie cheese
• Handful of parsley
• Mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, pecans)
• Dried cranberries
• Pretzel sticks
• Honey (for glazing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Garnish: Blend parsley, nuts, and dried cranberries in a food processor until finely ground.
2. Create the Trees: Insert a pretzel stick into each Brie triangle as the tree trunk. Brush the Brie lightly with honey for a sticky surface.
3. Decorate: Roll or sprinkle the triangles in the parsley mixture until fully coated.
4. Serve: Arrange on a platter and drizzle with extra honey for added flair.

A delightful addition to any cheeseboard this December!

Ingredients:

• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 2-3 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 5 slices of Brie cheese
• Fresh rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, spread cranberry sauce evenly across, and layer with Brie slices.
2. Roll into Roses: Cut the pastry into thin strips, roll each into a rose shape, and place them in a muffin tin.
3. Bake: Air-fry at 180°C for 30 minutes or until golden.
4. Garnish & Serve: Cool slightly and garnish with rosemary sprigs for an extra festive touch.

Perfect for a centrepiece snack!! 

Ingredients:

• 100g Philadelphia cream cheese
• 1 pack of Oreos
• Chocolate flake cereal
• Icing sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Make the Base: Blend cream cheese and Oreos into a smooth paste. Shape into small pyramid shapes.
2. Add the Scales: Gently press Coco Pops into the mixture to mimic pinecone scales.
3. Dust with Snow: Sprinkle icing sugar over the pinecones for a frosty finish.

These fun-to-make treats are as charming as they are delicious! 

Ingredients:

• 200g semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 120g butter
• 200g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp cocoa powder
• 65g plain flour
• Fresh strawberries
• White chocolate (melted)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Brownies: Melt chocolate chips and butter, stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in cocoa, flour, and salt. Bake in your Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven at 160°C for 25 minutes.
2. Cut & Assemble: Once cooled, cut brownies into bite-sized rounds. Top each with a strawberry and use melted white chocolate as glue. Add a white chocolate dollop on the strawberry tip for the hat.

These treats will be the highlight on the dessert spread!

This christmas time, let these snacks take your celebrations to the next level. With a mix of sweet and savoury, easy-to-make recipes, your guests will be talking about your festive spread well into the new year. So grab your apron, fire up the oven, and sleigh those snacks!