Pin It I was rearranging my cheese board supplies one evening, half-distracted by some half-baked idea about dramatic presentations, when I spotted a wedge of black wax cheddar I'd been saving for months. Something about its dark, glossy exterior struck me as theatrical, almost architectural. That's when it clicked: what if I treated it less like a cheese to slice casually and more like a centerpiece to build around? The Obsidian Peak was born from that single moment of seeing potential in what could have been just another cheese platter.
I made this for a dinner party on a whim, honestly worried it might be too weird, too moody for the occasion. But watching my guests circle the platter, hesitating before they dared to slice into that dark peak, felt like I'd created something they hadn't quite seen before. One friend said it looked like a medieval feast, another called it modern art. It became less about the food and more about the experience of approaching it, which somehow felt like exactly what I wanted.
Ingredients
- Black wax-coated aged cheddar (400 g, block or wedge, uncut): This is your statement piece, so choose one that feels substantial and looks dramatic. The black wax protects it beautifully and gives you that sharp, slightly earthy edge you need to balance the richness.
- Dark rye crackers (150 g): Light crackers would look wrong here; you need the visual weight of rye to anchor the base and complement that bold cheese flavor.
- Whole almonds (100 g): Leave them raw and untoasted so they take the charcoal coating better and stay crisp when they're scattered around.
- Food-grade activated charcoal powder (1 tbsp): This transforms ordinary almonds into something moody and intentional. Use only food-grade, and don't be heavy-handed or they'll taste chalky.
- Flaky sea salt (1 tsp, optional): Sprinkled over the charcoal almonds, it catches light and gives texture that catches the eye.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional): A few scattered across the platter add a subtle green note that makes the blacks pop even harder.
- Edible black flowers like viola or pansy (optional): If you find them, they're the final touch that elevates this from platter to tableau.
Instructions
- Let the cheese breathe:
- Pull that black wax wedge from the fridge and let it sit on your counter for twenty to thirty minutes. You want it just slightly softened so when your guests slice into it, the knife glides and the flavor opens up instead of tasting cold and muted.
- Dust the almonds:
- Toss your whole almonds in a small bowl with the charcoal powder until every one is coated in that dramatic dark finish. If you're using the sea salt, sprinkle it in now while the powder is still slightly tacky so it sticks.
- Position your peak:
- Set that whole cheese block or wedge upright in the dead center of a large, flat platter. This is your mountain, your focal point, so stand back and make sure it looks intentional and balanced.
- Build the base:
- Arrange the dark rye crackers in a wide circle around the cheese, creating a natural platform. This anchors everything and gives your guests an obvious starting point.
- Scatter and fill:
- Distribute the charcoal almonds around the crackers, filling gaps and creating visual texture. You're not looking for perfect symmetry; let some cluster, let some breathe.
- Final garnish:
- Tuck a few rosemary sprigs around the platter, and if you have them, scatter those edible flowers across for a last touch of drama.
- Serve immediately:
- Bring it to the table while everything is fresh and the contrasts are sharpest. Hand someone a knife and let them make the first slice, which always feels ceremonial.
Pin It There's something about watching people approach this platter that reminded me why I cook in the first place. It's not always about taste, though that's there. It's about creating a moment where people pause and genuinely wonder what they're looking at before they dive in.
The Story Behind Black Wax
Black wax on aged cheddar isn't just for show, though it certainly does that job beautifully. Years ago, I tasted a wedge without understanding where that deeper, more complex sharpness came from, and I realized the wax itself changes how the cheese ages. It develops character, almost a mineral edge that regular cloth-wrapped cheese never quite achieves. Once I understood that, presenting it whole became less precious and more necessary.
Why Dark Accompaniments Matter
I've made this platter with regular almonds and standard crackers and it lost something instantly. The moment I switched to dark rye and charcoal-dusted nuts, the whole thing clicked into place visually and flavor-wise. Dark rye has an earthy depth that sings next to sharp cheddar, and those charcoal almonds stop being an accident and start being the reason people remember the platter. It's the difference between a nice cheese board and something people still talk about weeks later.
Serving Moments and Wine Pairings
The Obsidian Peak demands to be seen before it's eaten, so always bring it to the table fully assembled and let people react before anyone touches it. A bold red wine makes sense here, something like a Syrah with enough tannins to stand up to that aged cheddar sharpness, or a Malbec if you want something slightly earthier. If wine isn't happening, honestly, a dark stout beer works almost as well.
- Serve on a large platter with plenty of negative space so the cheese tower feels intentional rather than crowded.
- Have a sharp cheese knife ready so guests can slice cleanly without mangling that beautiful wax exterior.
- If you're doubling the batch for a larger crowd, make two separate peaks rather than trying to crowd one platter.
Pin It Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable because they're really just about intention and presentation. The Obsidian Peak isn't complicated, but it feels significant from the moment you set it down.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you prepare the charcoal-dusted almonds?
Toss whole almonds with food-grade activated charcoal powder until evenly coated. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
- → What is the best way to display the black wax cheddar?
Place the whole block or wedge upright in the center of a large platter to create a striking peak resembling a mountain.
- → Can other cheeses be used instead of black wax cheddar?
Yes, any sharp aged cheese coated in black wax can substitute to maintain the dramatic effect and flavor.
- → Are there suggested accompaniments for this platter?
Dark rye crackers provide a sturdy base while the charcoal-coated almonds add texture and visual contrast. Fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers enhance presentation.
- → What pairings complement this cheese centerpiece?
A robust red wine like Syrah or Malbec pairs well, balancing the bold cheddar and savory accompaniments.