Shooting Star Cheese Board

# What you'll need:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz firm cheese (cheddar, gouda, or manchego), cut into star shape

→ Nuts

02 - 1.8 oz almonds

03 - 1.8 oz pecan halves

04 - 1.8 oz walnuts

→ Berries

05 - 3.5 oz fresh blueberries

06 - 3.5 oz fresh raspberries

07 - 3.5 oz fresh blackberries

08 - 1.8 oz dried cranberries

→ Accompaniments (optional)

09 - Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices

10 - Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

# Method:

01 - Using a star-shaped cookie cutter or sharp knife, cut the cheese block into a star shape and place it near the top of a large serving board or platter.

02 - Position the almonds, pecans, and walnuts in a diagonal line extending from the star, creating the tail of the shooting star.

03 - Distribute fresh blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and dried cranberries intermittently among the nuts to form a colorful cascade.

04 - Fill any empty spaces with additional nuts or berries for a full, abundant presentation.

05 - Place gluten-free crackers or sliced baguette alongside the arrangement and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

06 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It looks restaurant-worthy but takes less time than ordering takeout.
Everyone gravitates toward it first because the presentation actually tastes as good as it looks.
You can use whatever cheese and fruits you have on hand and it still feels intentional.

02 -

Cold cheese cuts cleaner than room-temperature cheese—chill it for thirty minutes first if your kitchen is warm.
Arrange everything on a completely dry board, or berries will slip and nuts will scatter like they're staging a protest.

03 -

Use a warm, damp knife between cuts when working with cheese to prevent crumbling and ensure clean edges on your star.
Arrange berries right before serving—they weep slightly when exposed to air, which changes both appearance and texture over time.