A charming horse-shaped platter featuring cheeses, fruits, nuts, and charcuterie for elegant entertaining.
# What you need:
→ 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 olives (black or green)
21 - 1/4 cup cornichons or small pickles
22 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam
# Directions:
01 - On a large, clean serving board or tray, sketch or outline a horse shape using parchment paper or a horse-shaped template as a guide.
02 - Place the cheeses to define the horse's head, mane, and body, varying colors and shapes to enhance visual appeal.
03 - Layer sliced charcuterie to form contours and texture for areas such as the mane and legs; omit if preparing a vegetarian version.
04 - Fill in with halved grapes, sliced apples and pears, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and baby carrots to add color and detail.
05 - Arrange assorted crackers and sliced baguette along the border or base to simulate the horse's ground.
06 - Scatter roasted almonds, walnuts, olives, and cornichons in small clusters to fill gaps and add texture.
07 - Use a small dish of honey or fig jam as the eye or other accent points; adjust arrangement for a clear horse shape with balanced colors and textures.
08 - Provide cheese knives and serving utensils; serve immediately to maintain freshness.
