Midnight Orchard Fruit Cheese (Printable Version)

A stylish assortment of cherries, plums, grapes, and creamy black-ashed goat cheese elegantly paired.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit

01 - 1 cup dark cherries, pitted and halved
02 - 2 ripe plums, sliced into wedges
03 - 1 cup purple grapes, halved

→ Cheese

04 - 7 oz black-ashed goat cheese, sliced or crumbled

→ Garnishes

05 - 2 tbsp toasted walnuts (optional)
06 - 1 tbsp honey (optional)
07 - Fresh thyme sprigs (for decoration)

# Directions:

01 - Place dark cherries, plum wedges, and purple grapes on a large serving platter, grouping each fruit to enhance visual appeal.
02 - Position slices or crumbles of black-ashed goat cheese alongside the fruit on the platter.
03 - If desired, sprinkle toasted walnuts over the platter and drizzle lightly with honey for sweetness.
04 - Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a fragrant finish.
05 - Present immediately, inviting guests to create their preferred combinations.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, leaving you time to actually enjoy your guests instead of stress in the kitchen.
  • The contrast of tart fruits against creamy, tangy cheese feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • Everyone gets to play with their own flavor combinations, which somehow makes the whole experience more fun.
02 -
  • The platter is best served within an hour of assembly; the fruit starts to weep and lose its crispness if it sits too long.
  • Black-ashed goat cheese can sometimes crumble aggressively when sliced cold—try letting it sit out for 10 minutes before cutting, or use a warm, damp knife for cleaner slices.
  • If you're doubling this for a larger crowd, resist the urge to overcrowd the platter. White space is part of the design.
03 -
  • Prep all components separately and assemble the platter no more than an hour before serving—this keeps fruit fresh and the cheese at its creamiest.
  • Use a warmed knife or damp cloth to cut goat cheese cleanly; cold cheese can crumble and look messy on the platter.
  • Always taste the honey before drizzling—different varieties pair differently with fruit, and finding the one that sings with your specific ingredients makes all the difference.
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