Book Club Pairing Platter (Printer-Friendly)

An elegant assortment of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and savory elements expertly arranged with fresh rosemary.

# What You Need:

→ Section 1: Pairing with Chardonnay (White Wine)

01 - 3.5 oz triple-cream brie, sliced
02 - 3.5 oz Gruyère cheese, cubed
03 - 1 small bunch green grapes
04 - 1 crisp apple, sliced
05 - 1.75 oz Marcona almonds

→ Section 2: Pairing with Pinot Noir (Red Wine)

06 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
07 - 3.5 oz smoked gouda, sliced
08 - 2.5 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
09 - 2.5 oz sliced salami
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes

→ Section 3: Pairing with Sparkling Wine or Rosé

11 - 3.5 oz herbed goat cheese, formed into a log
12 - 2.5 oz dried apricots
13 - 1.75 oz roasted pistachios
14 - ½ cup mixed olives
15 - 1 small cucumber, sliced

→ For Serving and Garnish

16 - 1 baguette, sliced
17 - 1 box assorted crackers
18 - 3 to 4 fresh rosemary sprigs (for section dividers)
19 - Honey or fig jam (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place a large serving platter or board on a flat surface and arrange fresh rosemary sprigs to create three distinct sections.
02 - Place sliced brie, cubed Gruyère, green grapes, apple slices, and Marcona almonds neatly within the first section.
03 - In the second section, arrange cubed aged cheddar, sliced smoked gouda, thin prosciutto, sliced salami, and cherry tomatoes evenly.
04 - Position herbed goat cheese log, dried apricots, roasted pistachios, mixed olives, and cucumber slices within the third section.
05 - Fill in the gaps around each section with baguette slices and assorted crackers to provide texture and variety.
06 - Place small bowls of honey or fig jam on the platter as optional accompaniments.
07 - Present immediately, ensuring rosemary sprigs clearly separate each section to highlight intended pairings.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes the stress out of entertaining because you're essentially assembling, not cooking—just pure creativity and taste.
  • Everyone finds something they love, which means you get to skip the dietary detective work and actually enjoy the evening.
  • The rosemary dividers aren't just pretty; they perfume your platter and make it feel intentional, like you've done something special.
02 -
  • Prep your ingredients separately until the very last moment—especially the apples and cucumber—so everything stays crisp and fresh when people dig in.
  • The rosemary sprigs aren't just decoration; they're what makes your guests understand this isn't just a random assortment—it's a curated experience.
03 -
  • If you're assembling more than an hour before guests arrive, keep the board in a cool place and cover the cut fruits and vegetables with barely damp paper towels to keep them fresh.
  • The secret to a platter that looks effortless is actually planning where every element goes—sketch it out on paper first, then you can assemble with confidence.
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