Forest-inspired board with owl-shaped crackers, cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a charming centerpiece.
# Components:
→ 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, 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)
# Method:
01 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Rub in cold butter using fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in grated cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut out owl shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Place crackers on the baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - On a large wooden board or platter, arrange the sliced and crumbled cheeses in distinct sections. Distribute the cooled owl crackers among the cheeses. Arrange grapes, apple and pear slices, dried apricots, walnuts, and almonds in small clusters around the board. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a woodland effect.
