Whimsical owl-shaped crackers paired with cheeses, fruits, and nuts make a charming snack presentation.
# Components:
→ Owl Crackers
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
06 - 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup cold water
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for decoration
09 - 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives for owl eyes
→ Cheeses
10 - 3.5 oz Brie, sliced
11 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda, sliced
12 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
13 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
→ Fruits & Nuts
14 - 1 small bunch seedless grapes
15 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
16 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
17 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
18 - 1/2 cup walnuts
19 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
→ Garnishes
20 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
21 - Edible flowers, optional
# Method:
01 - Combine flour, salt, pepper, and thyme in a bowl. Rub in cold butter with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in grated cheddar cheese. Gradually add cold water to form a soft dough. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into owl shapes. Decorate with sesame seeds and use peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Arrange on baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
02 - Arrange the variety of cheeses on a large wooden board or platter in separate sections. Distribute cooled owl crackers among the cheeses. Add fruit slices, grapes, dried apricots, walnuts, and almonds in clusters. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible flowers to evoke a forest theme.
