Gilded Acorn Nut Board (Print View)

Elegant nut and cheese board with gold-touched almonds and acorn-shaped cheese for special occasions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Nuts

01 - 1 cup whole almonds
02 - 1/2 cup pecans
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts
04 - 1/2 cup hazelnuts

→ Gold-Sprinkled Almonds

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

→ Cheeses

07 - 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese block
08 - 8 ounces gouda cheese block
09 - 8 ounces brie or camembert cheese (optional)

→ Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
11 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved
12 - 1/2 cup seedless red grapes
13 - 1/2 cup fresh apple slices
14 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if desired)
16 - 1 small baguette, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Place 1/2 cup almonds into a small bowl, lightly mist or brush with water to aid adhesion, then evenly sprinkle edible gold dust, tossing gently to coat. Set aside to dry for several minutes.
02 - Slice cheddar and gouda into 1/4-inch thick slabs. Use a small acorn-shaped cookie cutter to cut shapes. Optionally, detail with a paring knife or stack layers to create two-tone effects.
03 - Place all nuts including the gold-sprinkled almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts in small clusters or bowls across a large serving board or platter.
04 - Distribute the acorn-shaped cheese cutouts around the board, interspersed with brie or camembert cubes or wedges for textural contrast.
05 - Arrange dried apricots, dried figs, grapes, and apple slices in small piles or fan patterns to add color and freshness.
06 - Place honey or fig jam in a small serving dish accompanied by a spoon or honey dipper.
07 - Complete the display by filling remaining spaces with assorted crackers and sliced baguette.
08 - Serve the board immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning with minimal effort—those gold-dusted almonds catch the light and make everyone think you're a culinary genius.
  • No cooking required means you can set it up while chatting with guests or pouring wine.
  • The mix of textures and flavors keeps people grazing happily for hours.
02 -
  • The gold dust only adheres if you mist the almonds first—skip this step and the gold will fall off before your guests even see it.
  • Cut your cheese just before serving; pre-cut cheese sweats and loses its appeal if it sits too long.
  • Check that your edible gold is truly food-grade (some decorative gold dust is not safe to eat), and you'll find it easily online or at specialty baking shops.
03 -
  • Make your gold-dusted almonds no more than an hour before serving; they stay crunchy and the gold clings better when fresh.
  • If you can't find an acorn cutter, a small leaf or heart shape works beautifully and is often easier to find.
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