# Components:
→ Bread
01 - 12 slices white sandwich bread
02 - 12 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
→ Fillings
03 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced
06 - 2 tbsp cucumber, finely diced
→ Garnishes
07 - 12 small cherry tomatoes or star-shaped pieces of yellow bell pepper
08 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
→ Optional
09 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, blend cream cheese, chives, and optional mayonnaise. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
02 - Using star-shaped cookie cutters of three sizes, cut one large, medium, and small star from both bread types per sandwich.
03 - Apply a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto each bread star.
04 - Sprinkle diced red bell pepper over one-third of the stars and diced cucumber over another third to provide color and texture contrast.
05 - Layer stars from largest to smallest, alternating between white and whole wheat bread for visual interest.
06 - Insert a skewer or toothpick through the center of each stack to hold the layers firmly together.
07 - Place a cherry tomato or star-shaped yellow bell pepper piece atop each stack, then sprinkle chopped parsley around to imitate pine needles.
08 - Arrange the assembled sandwiches on a platter and serve immediately for best freshness.
