A whimsical platter shaped like a horse with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and savory accompaniments.
# Ingredients:
→ Cheeses
01 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
02 - 3.5 oz brie, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz gouda, cubed
04 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
→ Charcuterie (omit for vegetarian option)
05 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
06 - 3.5 oz salami, sliced
07 - 3.5 oz smoked turkey, sliced
→ Fresh Fruits
08 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
09 - 1 cup green grapes, halved
10 - 1 apple, thinly sliced
11 - 1 pear, thinly sliced
12 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
→ Vegetables
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
15 - 1/2 cup baby carrots
→ Crackers & Bread
16 - 2 cups assorted crackers
17 - 1 baguette, sliced
→ Nuts & Extras
18 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
19 - 1/2 cup walnuts
20 - 1/4 cup black or green olives
21 - 1/4 cup cornichons or small pickles
22 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
# Instructions:
01 - On a large, clean serving board or tray, sketch the shape of a horse using parchment paper or a horse-shaped template as a guide.
02 - Position the cheeses to outline the horse’s head, mane, and body, varying colors and shapes for visual contrast.
03 - Layer slices of prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey to define contours and add texture, such as the mane or legs.
04 - Fill remaining spaces with grape clusters, apple and pear slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and baby carrots to create curves and visual interest.
05 - Arrange assorted crackers and baguette slices along the edges or base to form the horse’s ground.
06 - Distribute roasted almonds, walnuts, olives, and cornichons in small clusters to add detail and fill gaps.
07 - Place a small dish of honey or fig jam as an eye or accent on the board for added interest.
08 - Adjust arrangement to clearly define the horse shape, ensuring even distribution of colors and textures.
09 - Present immediately alongside cheese knives and serving utensils.
