A colorful arrangement of red berries, fresh herbs, cheeses, and nuts for a stunning holiday platter.
# Components:
→ Fresh Produce
01 - 1 cup fresh red currants (or substitute with pomegranate arils, cranberries, or red grapes)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, small, round, bright red
03 - 1 cup raspberries, firm and unblemished
04 - 1 bunch fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, washed and dried
05 - 1 bunch fresh rosemary sprigs
06 - 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
07 - 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs
→ Cheese & Accompaniments
08 - 5 ounces soft goat cheese, shaped into small balls
09 - 5 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
10 - 1/2 cup Marcona almonds or toasted walnuts (optional)
11 - 1/2 cup thinly sliced seedless cucumber
12 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
13 - Flaky sea salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Thoroughly wash all berries, tomatoes, herbs, and cucumber under cold running water. Gently dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Discard any bruised or spoiled berries. Slice cucumbers into ultra-thin rounds approximately 1/16 inch thick. If using goat cheese, use a teaspoon to roll cheese into small, bite-sized balls. Ensure all components are dry to prevent wilting or sogginess.
02 - Choose a large, flat serving platter or rustic wooden board at least 12 to 14 inches in diameter. Wipe clean and dry. A neutral-colored platter enhances the visual contrast of vibrant reds and greens.
03 - Place sprigs of rosemary, parsley, mint, and thyme in overlapping, organic clusters around the platter. Vary sprig lengths and allow some herbs to spill slightly over edges, covering about 50 percent of the surface, leaving gaps for berries and other items.
04 - Nestle red currants, cherry tomatoes, and raspberries in tight, overlapping groupings among the herbs. Create varied cluster densities to mimic natural holly berry growth. Secure clusters as needed with small herb sprigs or gently press berries into herbs to prevent rolling. Ensure each red cluster is distinctly bordered by herbs.
05 - Tuck mozzarella pearls and goat cheese balls near berry clusters without overshadowing the red-and-green theme. Scatter nuts and cucumber slices in small, irregular piles. Drizzle olive oil lightly over cheese, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Avoid contact between cheese and wet berries to preserve texture.
06 - Inspect the platter for a lush, abundant, and organic appearance. Smell for fresh herbs and ripe berries. Adjust clusters and herbs as needed to fill sparse areas and enhance the holly motif. Wipe smudges or stray oil from the platter rim. Serve immediately to maintain freshness and texture.
