Obsidian Peak Cheese Platter (Printable)

Stunning black wax cheddar tower with dark rye crackers and charcoal-coated almonds in a striking display.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz black wax-coated aged cheddar (block or wedge, whole and uncut)

→ Accompaniments

02 - 5.3 oz dark rye crackers
03 - 3.5 oz whole almonds
04 - 1 tbsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
05 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt (optional)

→ Garnish

06 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
07 - Edible black flowers (such as viola or pansy, optional)

# Steps:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated cheddar from refrigeration and allow to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance flavor and aroma.
02 - Place whole almonds in a small bowl, sprinkle with activated charcoal powder, and toss to coat evenly. Optionally, add flaky sea salt for seasoning.
03 - Position the whole block or wedge of cheddar upright in the center of a large, flat serving platter to create a mountain peak effect.
04 - Form a circular base around the cheddar by neatly arranging dark rye crackers around it.
05 - Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds around and between the crackers to fill gaps and create visual contrast.
06 - Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and, if desired, edible black flowers to provide a dramatic final touch.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy with crackers and almonds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that requires zero cooking skill but looks like you spent hours planning.
  • The black wax cheddar aged so perfectly it tastes sharper and richer than you'd expect, almost demanding those dark rye crackers.
  • Those charcoal almonds are addictively salty and smoky, the kind of detail that makes people ask for your secrets.
02 -
  • Never skip letting that cheese come to room temperature or the flavors will taste flat and the texture will be too firm to appreciate the aging work that's already happened.
  • Use only food-grade activated charcoal and apply it sparingly to the almonds, or they'll taste bitter instead of mysterious.
  • Position that cheese block truly upright and stable, or it will slide and your whole mountain moment collapses into a sad cheese-covered platter.
03 -
  • If you can't find black wax cheddar, any sharp aged cheese with a dark rind works, but seek it out if possible because that wax really does make the presentation sing.
  • Keep those charcoal almonds in an airtight container ahead of time if you're prepping early, and add them to the platter just before serving so they don't lose their crunch.
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