Thanksgiving Leaf Fall Board (Print Version)

An autumn snack board with leaf-shaped cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers in warm fall tones.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese
02 - 5.3 oz gouda cheese
03 - 5.3 oz brie cheese

→ Crackers

04 - 7 oz whole wheat crackers
05 - 5.3 oz multigrain crackers

→ Dried Fruits

06 - 2.8 oz dried apricots
07 - 2.8 oz dried mango
08 - 2.1 oz dried cranberries
09 - 2.1 oz dried figs

→ Nuts

10 - 2.1 oz pecan halves
11 - 2.1 oz walnuts

→ Fresh Fruits & Garnishes

12 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
13 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
14 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Use small leaf-shaped cookie cutters to cut slices of cheddar, gouda, and brie cheeses into assorted leaf shapes.
02 - Press the same cookie cutters gently into large crackers and dried apricots, mango, and figs to form leaf shapes; save small scraps for snacking or garnish.
03 - Randomly arrange the leaf-shaped cheeses, crackers, and dried fruits across a large wooden board or platter to create a scattered falling leaves effect in warm brown, red, and orange tones.
04 - Fill the gaps between leaf shapes with pecan halves, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh fruit slices, fanning them to add texture and color.
05 - Garnish with rosemary sprigs for a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's honestly a conversation starter that actually tastes incredible, not just looks pretty for Instagram
  • Everyone thinks you spent hours in the kitchen when really you've got this done in 40 minutes flat
  • There's something about eating leaf-shaped cheese that makes people smile, and that feeling is contagious
  • You can prep it hours ahead and refrigerate, which means less stress when guests arrive
02 -
  • Room temperature cheese cuts infinitely better than cold cheese. Take your blocks out 15 minutes before you start cutting, and you'll wonder why this isn't the first thing anyone tells you about cheese boards.
  • The secret to leaf cutouts that actually look like leaves is pressing the cutter straight down, not at an angle. Angle cuts create jagged edges that disappear into the overall chaos of the board.
  • If you're working more than 20 minutes ahead of serving, don't slice your fresh fruit until the last moment. Even a small squeeze of lemon doesn't stop an apple from turning slightly brown at the edges.
03 -
  • Invest in good quality leaf-shaped cookie cutters in at least two sizes. They're tools that will last years and completely change what's possible on a board.
  • If you're making this more than an hour ahead, keep it in the refrigerator but pull it out 10 minutes before guests arrive so the cheese softens slightly and becomes more forgiving to eat. Cold, brittle cheese isn't nearly as enjoyable as slightly softened cheese.
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