Creative board with owl-shaped crackers, assorted cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts arranged beautifully.
# 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 and 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)
# Directions:
01 - Combine flour, salt, black pepper, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Rub in cold, cubed butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate grated cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water, mixing to form a soft dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness and cut owl shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and black peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Arrange on the baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - On a large wooden board or platter, arrange the cheese varieties separately. Place the cooled owl crackers among the cheeses. Add fruit slices, seedless grapes, dried apricots, walnuts, and roasted almonds in small clusters. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and edible flowers for a woodland aesthetic.
