Fireside Comfort Cocoa Platter (Printer View)

Rustic platter of aged cheeses, dark chocolate treats, and warm cocoa for cozy gatherings.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz aged cheddar, cut into large, irregular chunks
02 - 5.3 oz aged gouda, broken into wedges
03 - 5.3 oz blue cheese, crumbled or chunked

→ Chocolate & Sweets

04 - 4.2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), broken into pieces
05 - 3.5 oz chocolate-covered almonds
06 - 2.8 oz chocolate-dipped dried figs
07 - 2.1 oz chocolate truffles

→ Accompaniments

08 - 1 small baguette, sliced
09 - 2.8 oz roasted walnuts or pecans
10 - 1 pear, sliced
11 - 1 apple, sliced
12 - 2 tbsp honey

→ Hot Cocoa

13 - 2 cups whole milk
14 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
17 - Pinch of salt
18 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
19 - Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
20 - Shaved chocolate (optional, for garnish)

# Method:

01 - Arrange aged cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese on a large wooden board, keeping pieces rustic and irregular for a hearty appearance.
02 - Cluster dark chocolate pieces, chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate-dipped figs, and chocolate truffles alongside cheeses for visual contrast.
03 - Place sliced baguette, roasted nuts, pear, and apple slices around cheeses and chocolates. Drizzle honey into a small bowl for dipping.
04 - Heat whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Add chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until melted and smooth, remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Pour hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate if desired.
06 - Serve the cheese and chocolate platter alongside the hot cocoa for a cozy, fireside experience.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of spread that looks like you've spent hours preparing, yet comes together in just 25 minutes—the perfect secret weapon for impressing guests
  • Every bite is a conversation between sharp aged cheese and rich dark chocolate, a combination that somehow always feels both decadent and comforting
  • The hot cocoa ties everything together, turning a simple platter into a complete cozy experience that makes everyone linger a little longer
02 -
  • The first time I made this board, I arranged everything too carefully with perfect spacing, and it looked like a museum exhibit nobody wanted to touch. Rustic and irregular is not just prettier—it's permission for people to dig in without guilt.
  • Milk temperature matters more than you think. I learned this the hard way when I tried to rush the cocoa with boiling milk; the chocolate separated and the cocoa tasted thin. Medium heat and patience create silk; high heat creates regret.
  • Always slice your fresh fruit (pear and apple) at the last moment before people arrive. They'll brown otherwise, and brown fruit feels sad on a platter designed to feel abundant.
03 -
  • Bring your cheese to room temperature 30 minutes before serving if it's been refrigerated—this is when aged cheese truly sings, and the flavors open up like a flower.
  • Make your cocoa in a larger batch than you think you'll need. People always want seconds, and having extra means you're prepared for the person who initially said 'just a small cup' before taking a full refill.
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