Midnight Orchard fruit cheese platter (Printer View)

A striking fruit and cheese platter with dark cherries, plums, grapes, and creamy black-ashed goat cheese.

# Components:

→ Fruit

01 - 1 cup dark cherries, pitted and halved
02 - 2 ripe plums, sliced into wedges
03 - 1 cup purple grapes, halved

→ Cheese

04 - 7 oz black-ashed goat cheese, sliced or crumbled

→ Garnishes

05 - 2 tbsp toasted walnuts (optional)
06 - 1 tbsp honey (optional)
07 - Fresh thyme sprigs for decoration

# Method:

01 - Arrange the dark cherries, plum wedges, and purple grapes on a large serving platter, grouping each fruit for visual appeal.
02 - Place slices or crumbles of black-ashed goat cheese alongside the fruit.
03 - Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the platter if using, and drizzle lightly with honey for added sweetness.
04 - Decorate with fresh thyme sprigs.
05 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to create their own pairings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes but looks like you've been planning it all week.
  • The tart cherries and creamy cheese create this perfect balance that keeps people reaching back for more.
  • No cooking required—just thoughtful arrangement and you've got an elegant appetizer or dessert.
02 -
  • Pit your cherries ahead of time so guests aren't surprised, and halve them so each bite includes both fruit and the pretty exposed flesh inside.
  • Assemble this no more than 30 minutes before serving—the fruit stays fresher and the cheese doesn't get sweaty under warm lights.
03 -
  • Chill your platter before arranging if you're working in a warm kitchen—cold cheese tastes better and holds its shape longer.
  • Buy your cheese from a proper cheesemonger if you can; they'll let you taste before you commit and can point you toward varieties that are at their peak.
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