Harvest Scythe Bread Fruit (Printer View)

An enticing spread of breads, grains, and fresh fruits arranged with rustic charm and balance.

# Components:

→ Breads & Grains

01 - 1 small baguette, sliced (approximately 9 inches)
02 - 1 cup multi-grain crackers
03 - 1 cup seeded rye bread, thinly sliced
04 - ½ cup cooked and cooled farro or barley

→ Fruits

05 - 1 cup seedless red grapes
06 - 1 cup sliced pears
07 - 1 cup sliced apples
08 - ½ cup dried apricots
09 - ½ cup fresh figs, halved (or dried figs if unavailable)

→ Cheese & Accents (optional)

10 - 3.5 oz (100 g) brie cheese, sliced
11 - 3.5 oz (100 g) aged cheddar, cubed
12 - ¼ cup honey or fig jam

→ Garnishes

13 - Fresh mint leaves
14 - Roasted nuts (almonds or walnuts), for crunch

# Method:

01 - On a large wooden board or platter, lay out the sliced breads and crackers in a sweeping curved line to resemble the blade of a scythe.
02 - Distribute the cooked farro or barley along the inner curve of the breads in a thin, even layer to evoke a field of grain.
03 - Fan the sliced fruits and grapes alongside and between the bread elements, allowing colors and textures to mingle naturally.
04 - If using, cluster the brie and cheddar cheeses in small rustic groups near the breads for effortless pairing.
05 - Set small bowls of honey or fig jam along the platter edges for dipping or drizzling.
06 - Finish with fresh mint leaves and scatter roasted nuts over the arrangement for added texture and aroma.
07 - Present immediately to maintain the freshness and texture of the breads and fruits.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 25 minutes flat, yet looks like you spent hours planning.
  • There's no cooking involved, just arranging and letting fresh ingredients do the talking.
  • Everyone finds something they love on the board, from bread lovers to fruit-first people.
  • It scales effortlessly—add more, remove what you don't have, and it still works beautifully.
02 -
  • Never slice your apples and pears more than 15 minutes before serving, or brush them with lemon juice—browning happens faster than you think and dims the whole board.
  • The order matters: breads first, then grains, then fruits, then cheese, then garnishes—each layer supports the ones below and makes arrangement easier.
  • A wooden board beats ceramic or glass every time; it's warmer, more forgiving, and feels right in a way that's hard to explain until you see it in person.
03 -
  • Chill your board for 15 minutes before arranging if your kitchen is warm—this keeps cheese from softening too quickly and fruits from weeping.
  • Buy grapes still on the vine when possible; they stay fresher longer and look more abundant on the board.
  • A sharp knife makes all the difference when slicing bread and cheese—dull blades crush rather than cut, and that matters more than you'd think.
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