Yin-Yang Balance Appetizer Board (Printable)

A visually striking board with blackberries dividing light and dark cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers for balanced flavors.

# What you'll need:

→ Dividing Line

01 - 5.3 oz fresh blackberries

→ Light Side

02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese (chevre), sliced
03 - 3.5 oz young Manchego or white cheddar, cubed
04 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
05 - 1.8 oz white grapes
06 - 1.1 oz raw almonds
07 - 1.1 oz rice crackers or light-colored crackers

→ Dark Side

08 - 3.5 oz aged blue cheese, sliced
09 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, cubed
10 - 1 small black plum, thinly sliced
11 - 1.8 oz red or black grapes
12 - 1.1 oz roasted hazelnuts
13 - 1.1 oz dark rye crisps or seeded crackers

→ Garnishes

14 - Fresh mint leaves
15 - Edible flowers (optional)

# Method:

01 - Place a large, round serving board on your work surface.
02 - Arrange the blackberries in a curved line across the center of the board to emulate the yin-yang division.
03 - On one side of the blackberry curve, neatly position the light cheeses, pear slices, white grapes, almonds, and light-colored crackers.
04 - On the opposite side, display the dark cheeses, plum slices, red or black grapes, roasted hazelnuts, and dark rye crisps or seeded crackers.
05 - Enhance the presentation with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers for color and freshness.
06 - Serve immediately to allow guests to appreciate the harmonious balance of flavors and visuals.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks intimidating but takes barely twenty minutes—perfect for last-minute guests or when you want to impress without stress.
  • Every bite teaches you something new because the dark and light sides challenge each other, making flavors sing louder than they would alone.
02 -
  • Slice your fruit last—nothing deflates a board faster than oxidized pear or a plum that's been sitting out, so do this moments before guests arrive.
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think; take your cheeses out of the fridge five minutes before serving so they're creamy and forgiving, not hard and unapproachable.
03 -
  • Build your board on a board you can leave out; transferring it to the table risks toppling your blackberry line and breaking the spell.
  • Odd numbers in groupings feel more natural than even, so arrange things in clusters of three or five rather than pairs.
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