Ingredients
Scale
- 150g mature English cheddar, sliced or cubed (substitute with aged gouda or manchego)
- 100g creamy Brie or Camembert (can swap for a blue cheese if preferred)
- 100g thinly sliced prosciutto or Parma ham
- 100g salami, sliced
- 1 small jar quince jelly or fig jam (homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup mixed olives (green and black, pitted)
- Handful of roasted nuts – almonds, walnuts, or pecans (lightly salted)
- Fresh seasonal fruit – a handful of grapes, sliced apples, or pear wedges
- Crackers and artisan bread slices (sourdough or a nutty rye works beautifully)
- 1 small bunch of fresh herbs for garnish (thyme or rosemary are my favourites)
- Optional: Cornichons or pickled onions for a tangy contrast
Instructions
- Begin by selecting a large wooden board or platter. I find the rustic grain of wood adds a touch of warmth and nostalgia, much like my mum’s old kitchen table.
- Arrange your cheeses first, spacing them evenly around the board. Leave some space around the Brie or Camembert so guests can easily spread it on crackers.
- Fold the slices of prosciutto and salami into loose rosettes or gentle piles. This not only looks inviting but also makes it easier to pick up.
- Add small dollops of quince jelly or fig jam next to the cheeses. The sweet counterpoint is reminiscent of the cinnamon-dusted apple crumbles we used to enjoy during the holidays.
- Scatter the mixed olives and nuts in the empty spaces, filling any gaps. The contrast in textures keeps the board interesting and balanced.
- Place fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices in clusters to add colour and freshness. I always choose fruit that’s in season, just as my mum taught me to respect nature’s rhythm.
- Fill in any remaining spaces with crackers and slices of artisan bread, leaning them upright for easy grabbing.
- Finish by tucking in sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Their aroma brings the whole board to life, much like the herbs that once scented my grandmother’s Sunday roasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
