A delightful board with owl-shaped crackers, cheeses, fresh fruits, and nuts for festive gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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, 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 - Whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in a bowl. Rub in cold, cubed butter with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms a soft, cohesive ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. 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 baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - Arrange Brie, Gouda, goat cheese, and blue cheese in separate sections on a large wooden board or platter. Place cooled owl crackers around and among cheeses. Add clusters of grapes, apple and pear slices, dried apricots, walnuts, and almonds. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible flowers to emulate a forest theme.
