Gilded Acorn Nut Board (Print Version)

Nut-filled platter with gold almonds and acorn-shaped cheese cutouts, perfect for festive occasions and easy entertaining.

# Ingredient List:

→ Nuts

01 - 1 cup whole almonds (about 143 grams)
02 - 1/2 cup pecans (about 58 grams)
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts (about 50 grams)
04 - 1/2 cup hazelnuts (about 60 grams)

→ Gold-Sprinkled Almonds

05 - 1/2 cup whole almonds (about 72 grams)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon edible gold dust or gold leaf flakes

→ Cheeses

07 - 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 8 ounces gouda cheese
09 - 8 ounces brie or camembert cheese (optional)

→ Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup dried apricots (about 65 grams)
11 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved (about 60 grams)
12 - 1/2 cup seedless red grapes (about 75 grams)
13 - 1/2 cup fresh apple slices (about 60 grams)
14 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam (about 85 grams)

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if desired, about 30 grams)
16 - 1 small baguette, sliced (about 150 grams)

# Steps:

01 - Place 1/2 cup almonds in a small bowl. Lightly mist or brush with water to help the gold dust adhere. Sprinkle edible gold dust evenly and toss gently to coat. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.
02 - Slice cheddar and gouda into 6 mm thick slabs. Use a small acorn-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Optionally, add detail or a two-tone effect by stacking cheese layers with a paring knife.
03 - Place all nuts, including gold-sprinkled almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts, in small clusters or bowls on a large platter or wooden board.
04 - Distribute the acorn-shaped cheese pieces around the board, interspersed with cubes or wedges of brie or camembert for texture variation.
05 - Spread dried apricots, dried figs, grapes, and fresh apple slices in small piles or fan shapes to add color and freshness.
06 - Place honey or fig jam in a small serving dish with a spoon or honey dipper nearby.
07 - Fill remaining gaps on the board with assorted crackers and sliced baguette to complete the arrangement.
08 - Serve immediately or cover lightly and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before presenting.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing when it truly takes about 25 minutes, making you the person who always knows how to entertain.
  • There's something irresistible about acorn-shaped cheese pieces that makes guests actually excited about a cheese board.
  • The contrast of textures and the shimmer of gold dust create a feast for the eyes before anyone takes a bite.
02 -
  • Slice your cheese thick enough that the cutter actually cuts cleanly—too-thin slices crumble, and crumbly acorns lose their charm.
  • The gold dust matters more for visual impact than taste, so don't skimp on it, but use a light hand; you're creating shimmer, not covering everything.
03 -
  • Keep your acorn cutter clean and dry between cuts; a tiny wiping cloth prevents cheese from sticking and makes each cut sharper.
  • If edible gold dust feels too fancy, try toasting some of your almonds with a touch of honey until they gleam naturally—equally beautiful and entirely your style.
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