A playful board with owl-shaped crackers, assorted cheeses, fruits, and nuts creating a charming centerpiece.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Owl Crackers
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup cold water
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for decoration)
09 - 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives (for owl eyes)
→ Cheeses
10 - 3.5 oz Brie, sliced
11 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda, sliced
12 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
13 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
→ Fruits & Nuts
14 - 1 small bunch seedless grapes
15 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
16 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
17 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
18 - 1/2 cup walnuts
19 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
→ Garnishes
20 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
21 - Edible flowers (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Incorporate cold cubed butter by rubbing with fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in grated sharp cheddar cheese, then gradually add cold water and mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut owl shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and place black peppercorns or olive slices for the eyes. Arrange crackers on the prepared sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - On a large wooden board or platter, arrange Brie, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese in distinct sections. Position cooled owl crackers among the cheeses. Add grape clusters, thin apple and pear slices, dried apricots, walnuts, and roasted almonds in small groups. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible flowers to evoke a forest-inspired presentation.
