Festive starburst board with cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, and sweet treats arranged for holiday gatherings.
# What you'll need:
→ Cheeses
01 - 5.3 oz Brie cheese, sliced
02 - 5.3 oz Comté cheese, cubed
03 - 3.5 oz Bleu d'Auvergne, crumbled
04 - 3.5 oz Goat cheese (Chèvre), sliced
→ Cured Meats
05 - 4.2 oz Jambon de Bayonne, thinly sliced
06 - 4.2 oz Rosette de Lyon, sliced
07 - 3.5 oz Saucisson sec, sliced
→ Fresh Fruits
08 - 1 bunch red grapes
09 - 1 ripe pear, sliced
10 - 1 ripe apple, sliced
11 - 1 handful fresh figs, halved (or dried figs if out of season)
12 - 1 handful pomegranate seeds
→ Nuts & Extras
13 - 2.1 oz roasted almonds
14 - 2.1 oz walnuts
15 - 1.4 oz shelled pistachios
16 - 1.4 oz dried cranberries
→ Accompaniments
17 - 1 small jar fig or cherry jam
18 - 1 French baguette, sliced
19 - 1 small box assorted crackers
20 - 1 small pot honey
→ Sweets (optional)
21 - 1.8 oz dark chocolate, broken into shards
22 - 1.8 oz candied orange peel
23 - Festive star-shaped cookies (optional)
# Method:
01 - Place the cheeses at the center of a large wooden board, arranging them in a star shape with alternating types to create a contrast of color and texture.
02 - Fan out the cured meats around the cheeses, forming rays to emulate a starburst pattern.
03 - Fill the gaps between meats and cheeses with clusters of grapes, slices of pear and apple, and halved figs; sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the fruit for an added burst of color.
04 - Scatter nuts and dried cranberries in small piles across the board to ensure even distribution for visual appeal and easy snacking.
05 - Set small bowls or ramekins containing fig or cherry jam and honey on the board.
06 - Place sliced baguette and crackers either along the edges of the board or in separate baskets.
07 - For a festive finish, insert shards of dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and star-shaped cookies into open spaces on the board.
08 - Present immediately and encourage guests to mix and match flavors to their preference.
