Tartan Plaid Appetizer (Print Version)

Savory jerky and cheese strips woven into a vibrant tartan pattern, perfect for snacks or boards.

# Components:

→ Jerky

01 - 2 oz beef jerky, cut into thin strips
02 - 2 oz turkey jerky, cut into thin strips
03 - 2 oz pork jerky, cut into thin strips

→ Cheese

04 - 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into thin strips
05 - 2 oz Monterey Jack cheese, sliced into thin strips
06 - 2 oz smoked gouda, sliced into thin strips

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Arrange a clean cutting board or serving platter as your workspace.
02 - Place half of the jerky strips vertically on the surface, alternating colors for a plaid effect.
03 - Starting at one edge, weave cheese strips horizontally over and under the jerky, alternating cheese types to create a woven pattern.
04 - Continue weaving the remaining jerky and cheese strips, alternating directions and colors to mimic a tartan plaid.
05 - Gently press the woven arrangement to help it hold its shape and trim edges for a neat presentation if desired.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness, if using.
07 - Serve immediately as part of a charcuterie board or cut into squares for individual servings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but honest truth—it's just twenty minutes of meditative weaving.
  • You can customize the colors and flavors based on whatever jerky and cheese you have on hand, so it's never boring.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and protein-packed, so you're feeding people something genuinely nourishing without feeling like you're being preachy about it.
02 -
  • Jerky and cheese need to be sliced at roughly the same thickness or one will dominate visually and texturally—aim for about a quarter-inch.
  • If your weaving feels loose, it's because you're not pressing gently as you go; take two seconds between each new strip to settle what you've already placed.
03 -
  • Slightly cold cheese and jerky are easier to handle and look neater; let them sit out just five minutes before serving to take the hard chill off.
  • If you mess up your weave, don't panic—just keep going and press gently as you add more strips; the finished piece is forgiving and actually looks more artisanal when it's not perfectly rigid.
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