An eye-catching grazing platter arranged as a horse, combining cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more for festive occasions.
# Components:
→ 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 - Place a large, clean serving board or tray on a stable surface. Outline the shape of a horse using parchment paper or a horse-shaped template to guide placement.
02 - Position the assorted cheeses to form the horse’s head, mane, and body, alternating colors and shapes to create visual variation.
03 - Layer thin slices of prosciutto, salami, and smoked turkey to define contours such as the mane and legs, providing texture and depth. Omit for vegetarian option.
04 - Fill gaps with halved grapes, sliced apples and pears, dried apricots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and baby carrots, emphasizing curves and accents.
05 - Arrange assorted crackers and sliced baguette along the perimeter or base area to simulate the horse’s ground.
06 - Distribute roasted almonds, walnuts, olives, and cornichons in small clusters across the board to enrich detail and fill spaces.
07 - Position a small dish of honey or fig jam as the horse’s eye or focal accent. Adjust all elements to sharpen the overall horse silhouette and balance colors.
08 - Present immediately with cheese knives and appropriate serving utensils for easy access.
