Christmas Tree Garlic Bread Sharer

Add the flour, yeast and a pinch of salt to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Make a well in the middle, then pour in 3 tbsp of olive oil and 300ml (1.25 cups) of tepid water, and mix with a wooden spoon.

Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it comes together into a soft ball, then place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp tea towel to prove for an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Uncover the dough, then lightly punch it a few times to remove the air bubbles.

Tear off a small piece of dough (roughly 35g / 1.2oz in weight), roll it into a ball and place it in the middle and at the top of a large lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining dough, forming a tree shape as you place the dough balls onto the tray.

Cover the Christmas tree with the damp tea towel and leave it to prove for a further 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C fan / 425°F.

Brush the Christmas tree with olive oil, then bake it in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, melt the butter or margarine with 1 tbsp of olive oil in a small pan on a medium heat. Add the grated garlic and simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove the Christmas tree from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate or board. Brush with the garlic margarine, then top with a generous sprinkle of salt, followed by the chopped parsley. Et voila! Christmas is here!