Artistic Sundial Cheese Platter (Print)

Hard cheese wedge with balsamic glaze surrounded by nut clusters forms a striking centerpiece.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 1 thick wedge (about 5.3 oz) aged hard cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Gouda, or Manchego)

→ Balsamic Glaze

02 - 3 tbsp high-quality balsamic glaze

→ Nut Clusters

03 - 1/3 cup roasted almonds
04 - 1/3 cup roasted walnuts
05 - 1/3 cup roasted pecans
06 - 1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts
07 - 2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)

→ Garnishes (optional)

08 - Fresh grapes or figs
09 - Edible flowers or microgreens

# Directions:

01 - Place the wedge of hard cheese upright in the center of a large round serving platter, pointed end facing outward like a sundial gnomon.
02 - Drizzle a thick line of balsamic glaze extending outward from the cheese wedge to mimic a sundial’s shadow using a spoon.
03 - Evenly distribute 12 small clusters of mixed nuts around the cheese to form a circle representing hours on a clock face. Optionally, tuck dried cranberries within some clusters for visual contrast.
04 - Decorate the platter with fresh grapes, figs, or edible flowers to enhance color and presentation.
05 - Provide cocktail picks or small forks to facilitate easy sharing.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It takes fifteen minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something intentional and beautiful.
  • Everyone at the table has a moment where they pause and actually notices what you've made before diving in.
  • The conversation naturally gravitates toward the platter because there's something to admire and discuss together.
02 -
  • The balsamic glaze will dry and lose its shine within about twenty minutes, so drizzle it right before guests arrive or just as they walk in.
  • Room-temperature cheese tastes infinitely better than cold cheese, and the flavors actually matter when you've arranged it this beautifully—let it sit out for ten minutes before serving.
03 -
  • Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering regular balsamic vinegar down to a syrup if you can't find the ready-made version; it's cheaper and tastes fresher than many store brands.
  • Arrange this platter on the day of serving rather than hours ahead—the balsamic stays glossy and the nuts retain their crunch when everything comes together close to showtime.
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