I wanted to share a delicious and such a cute idea for a Christmas dessert.  I made these last year for a dinner we had for some dear friends.  They are cheesecake Christmas trees and you make them from a store bought, frozen cheesecake.  Here's the recipe:

Cheesecake Christmas Trees

1 to 2 peppermint candy sticks

1 (30 oz.) frozen New York-style cheesecake

1 (7.25 - 0z) bottle chocolate fudge shell coating

1 (6.4 oz) tube green easy-flow decorator icing

12 red m&m's

1.  Measure 1/2 to 3/4 inch from end of peppermint stick, and make a small cut using a sharp knife.  Gently break peppermint stick at cut.  Repeat procedure with remaining peppermint stick to make 12 pieces.

2.  Remove cheesecake from box according to package directions.  Let stand 5 minutes.  (Do not thaw.)  Carefully cut cheesecake into 12 wedges.  Gently push 1 peppermint piece partially into curved edge of each cheesecake wedge to form the tree trunks.  Place wedges on a wire rack on a baking sheet and freeze 10 minutes or until firm.

3.  Remove pan from freezer; evenly coat tops of each cheesecake wedge with fudge shell coating, allowing excess to drip down sides and curved edge.  Freeze 5 minutes.

4.  Remove pan from freezer; squeeze icing on top of each wedge in a pattern using ribbon tip.  Place 1 red m&m at tip of each slice.  Freeze at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.  Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Yield:  Makes 12 servings

from Southern Living Nov. 2006