these were the first item my English mum, raised in Nice, taught us to make. Of course she had a sweet tooth and ours were filled with whipped cream or ice cream. When my sons were little we down-sized them and filled with egg salad/minced vegetables, or tuna salad (their request!), pbj, and used them to decorate a styrooam cone covered with foil. Attaching each with toothpicks, we interspersed them with pitted olives, cherry tomatoes, celery, broccoli, carrots, and other items to pique their interest. This was intriguing enough to be the center of attention. It went over so well we made two trees for the adult table: one savory (mix of sm. puff pastries filled with tidbits of salmon mousse, shrimp salad, meat, pate, cheese, and/or herbs), shellfish, melon balls, and the like surrounded by crackers. The dessert tray had a tree of its own: sm puffs with chocolate, pastry, or whipped cream. Once they were secured with toothpicks we drizzled white, milk, and dark chocolate down from the top of the tree. Dusted with powdered sugar and edible silver glitter just before serving, the setting aided by twinkling little lights on cotton-laden table really appeared magical. All ages and many people worked to make it special,and it was a labor of love. Good times were had by all. This holiday season it will be a MUST. Might make some trials over the summer, heeeheee Wow! Sounds marvelous! Trials this summer are a must!!! Elisabeth

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