Gilded Acorn Nut Board (Printable)

Nut-focused board with gold almonds and acorn-shaped cheeses, perfect for elegant occasions.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Nuts

01 - 1 cup whole almonds (about 143 g)
02 - 1/2 cup pecans (about 54 g)
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts (about 60 g)
04 - 1/2 cup hazelnuts (about 60 g)

→ Gold-Sprinkled Almonds

05 - 1/2 cup whole almonds (about 72 g)
06 - 1/2 teaspoon edible gold dust or gold leaf flakes

→ Cheeses

07 - 225 g sharp cheddar cheese block
08 - 225 g gouda cheese block
09 - 225 g brie or camembert (optional)

→ Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup dried apricots (about 65 g)
11 - 1/2 cup dried figs, halved (about 60 g)
12 - 1/2 cup seedless red grapes (about 75 g)
13 - 1/2 cup fresh apple slices (about 60 g)
14 - 1/4 cup honey or fig jam (about 85 g)

→ Crackers & Bread

15 - 1 cup assorted crackers (gluten-free if needed, about 30 g)
16 - 1 small baguette, sliced (about 150 g)

# How-To:

01 - Place 1/2 cup almonds in a small bowl. Lightly mist or brush with water to help the gold dust adhere. Sprinkle edible gold dust evenly, tossing gently to coat. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.
02 - Slice cheddar and gouda into 6 mm thick slabs. Using a small acorn-shaped cookie cutter, cut out acorn shapes. Optionally, use a paring knife to add detail or create a two-tone effect by stacking cheese layers.
03 - Distribute all nuts—including gold-sprinkled almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts—in small clusters or bowls over a large serving board or platter.
04 - Arrange acorn-shaped cheese pieces around the board, interspersed with cubes or wedges of brie or camembert for texture and variety.
05 - Distribute dried apricots, figs, grapes, and apple slices in small piles or fan shapes to provide color and freshness.
06 - Place honey or fig jam in a small serving dish with a spoon or honey dipper.
07 - Fill gaps on the board with assorted crackers and baguette slices to complete the arrangement.
08 - Serve immediately, or cover lightly and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks far more complicated than it actually is, which means you get to take all the credit.
  • The nut-forward approach feels substantial and rich, making it work as either a starter or a light meal.
  • You can assemble it in under thirty minutes while keeping your hands clean and your stress levels low.
02 -
  • Edible gold dust will slide right off damp cheese or nuts if you don't let it dry first—patience here is genuinely important, not just a nice idea.
  • Pre-sliced cheese has a waxy coating that prevents gold from adhering; always cut your own slices from a block if you want the gold to actually stick.
03 -
  • Use a wooden board instead of marble or ceramic—it absorbs some of the moisture and keeps cheeses from sliding around unpredictably.
  • Arrange everything at slightly different heights and angles so the board feels dynamic rather than flat and geometric; real food on real boards has rhythm and personality.
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