A whimsical board featuring owl crackers, assorted cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts for easy entertaining.
# What you need:
→ 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 cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup cold water
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (decoration)
09 - 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives (for owl eyes)
→ Cheeses
10 - 3.5 ounces Brie, sliced
11 - 3.5 ounces aged Gouda, sliced
12 - 3.5 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
13 - 3.5 ounces 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)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine flour, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in a mixing bowl. Rub in cold butter using fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in grated cheddar cheese, then gradually add cold water to form a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut owl shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and use peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Arrange crackers on the baking sheet.
03 - Bake crackers for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
04 - Arrange the Brie, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese in separate sections on a large wooden board. Place cooled owl crackers around and between cheeses. Add clusters of grapes, sliced apple and pear, dried apricots, walnuts, and roasted almonds. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a woodland effect.
