Gilded Acorn Nut Board (Print Version)

Elegant nut and cheese board featuring gold almonds and acorn-shaped cutouts for special occasions.

# Components:

→ Nuts

01 - 140 grams whole almonds
02 - 60 grams pecans
03 - 60 grams walnuts
04 - 60 grams hazelnuts

→ Gold-Sprinkled Almonds

05 - 60 grams whole almonds
06 - 1/2 teaspoon edible gold dust or gold leaf flakes

→ Cheeses

07 - 225 grams sharp cheddar cheese block
08 - 225 grams gouda cheese block
09 - 225 grams brie or camembert cheese, optional

→ Accompaniments

10 - 70 grams dried apricots
11 - 70 grams dried figs, halved
12 - 70 grams seedless red grapes
13 - 70 grams fresh apple slices
14 - 60 milliliters honey or fig jam

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 120 grams assorted crackers (gluten-free if preferred)
16 - 1 small baguette, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Place 60 grams almonds in a small bowl, lightly mist or brush with water to adhere the gold dust. Sprinkle edible gold dust evenly and toss gently to coat. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.
02 - Slice cheddar and gouda into 0.6 cm thick slabs. Use a small acorn-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Optionally, add detail or two-tone effects by stacking cheese layers using a paring knife.
03 - Arrange all nuts, including gold-sprinkled almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts, in small clusters or bowls on a large wooden board or platter.
04 - Distribute the acorn-shaped cheese cutouts around the board, interspersed with cubes or wedges of brie or camembert for texture contrast.
05 - Distribute dried apricots, figs, grapes, and apple slices in small piles or fan shapes across the board to add color and freshness.
06 - Place honey or fig jam in a small serving dish accompanied by a spoon or honey dipper.
07 - Fill in remaining spaces on the board with assorted crackers and sliced baguette.
08 - Serve immediately or cover lightly and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours creating art, but comes together in just 25 minutes with zero cooking required.
  • The mix of textures and flavors keeps people pleasantly surprised—nuts, cheese, fruit, and honey working in perfect harmony.
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what you have, making it feel uniquely yours while staying foolproof.
02 -
  • Edible gold dust absolutely must be food-grade—check the label carefully, as craft-grade gold dust is not safe to eat and will ruin the moment if you discover it after serving.
  • Cut your cheese shapes just before serving or within an hour, as exposed cheese surfaces can dry out and lose their appeal faster than you'd expect.
  • That light misting of water on the almonds is essential—without it, gold dust slides right off; with it, the shimmer lasts and looks intentional.
03 -
  • Toast your baguette slices lightly in a dry skillet just before serving if you have 10 minutes—this keeps them crisp far longer than cold slices and makes them more substantial for holding toppings.
  • Let your cheeses sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting; cold cheese cracks and crumbles, but slightly softened cheese cuts like butter and shows its true flavor.
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