Mystic Lunar Charcuterie Board

Recipe By: Cheryl Malik

For the Moon Shape

• 8 ounces aged white cheddar crumbled into chunks
• 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled
• 4 ounces white cheese curds

Cheeses and Dairy

• 6 ounces mild white cheddar or gouda, for star cutouts
• 4 ounces blueberry-coated goat cheese

Crackers and Nuts

• 4 ounces thin seeded crisps or crackers with dried fruit
• 1 cup candied pecans

Vegetables

• 2 cups purple cauliflower florets
• 8 ounces purple carrots cut into sticks

Fresh and Dried Fruits

• 2 cups fresh black grapes
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• ½ cup dried plums prunes
• ½ cup dried figs
• ⅓ cup dried cherries or blueberries

Sweets and Chocolate

• 12 dark chocolate truffles
• ½ cup purple gummy candies

Chips and Crunchy Items

• 3 ounces purple potato chips
• 3 ounces blue corn tortilla chips

Create Your Moon Template

1. To begin, place your serving board onto a piece of construction paper and carefully trace its outline. Then, cut out a half-circle template, approximately 6-8 inches wide, ensuring it fits comfortably on your board with a clear space around the edges. This will be your guide for the cheese moon.
2. Position the newly cut template onto your serving board to test its fit and placement. Once satisfied, use small pieces of Scotch tape to secure the curved edges of the paper template to the board. This creates shallow walls, which are essential for neatly containing the cheese crumbles and maintaining the moon’s perfect shape.

Fill the Moon

1. Carefully begin filling the paper template with the crumbled cheeses. Start by placing the larger chunks of the 8 ounces of aged white cheddar and 4 ounces of blue cheese. These larger pieces will form the foundation and core texture of your moon shape.
2. Once the larger cheese chunks are in place, add the 4 ounces of white cheese curds. These smaller, softer pieces are perfect for filling any remaining gaps, creating a cohesive, textured, and visually appealing moon surface that looks rustic and inviting.
3. With the cheese moon fully formed within the template, gently and meticulously remove the construction paper. Peel it away slowly, leaving behind a perfectly shaped crescent moon of cheese on your serving board. This reveals the stunning focal point of your charcuterie board.

Assemble the Board

1. Arrange the 2 cups of vibrant purple cauliflower florets in appealing clusters around one side of the cheese moon. Their color will provide a striking contrast and visual interest.
2. Place the small bowls or ramekins on the board. Fill one with 1 cup of candied pecans and another with 1/3 cup of dried cherries or blueberries. Using bowls helps to contain smaller items and adds structure to the board.
3. Fill in some of the larger open spaces on the board with the crunchy components: 3 ounces of purple potato chips and 3 ounces of blue corn tortilla chips. Overlap them slightly to create volume and an inviting, abundant look.
4. Add the 2 cups of fresh black grapes in scattered clusters around the board. Their dark, glossy appearance will beautifully complement the purples and blacks, filling any remaining empty spaces.
5. Scatter the 12 dark chocolate truffles, 1/2 cup of dried figs, and 1/2 cup of dried plums (prunes) strategically throughout the board. These sweet and chewy elements provide balance and further enhance the rich color palette.
6. Using small star-shaped cookie cutters, cut out star shapes from the 6 ounces of mild white cheddar or gouda. Artfully scatter these cheese stars around the board, creating the whimsical effect of fallen stars around your majestic moon.
7. Finally, complete your masterpiece by adding the remaining elements: 1 cup of fresh blackberries, 1/2 cup of purple gummy candies, 8 ounces of purple carrot sticks, 4 ounces of thin seeded crisps or crackers with dried fruit, and the 4 ounces of blueberry-coated goat cheese, perhaps as a mini-centerpiece or in a distinct section to highlight its unique color.

Make it Ahead: To simplify your party day, you can prep several components the day before. Cut your cheese stars, thoroughly wash and dry all fresh berries, and portion your nuts into bowls. Store these separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the entire board on the day of your event for the freshest and most visually appealing results.

Cheese Temperature: Allowing cheeses to reach room temperature (about 30 minutes before serving) is crucial for optimal flavor and texture. Cold cheese can be firm and less aromatic, whereas cheese at room temperature releases its full array of complex flavors and boasts a more pleasing, yielding texture.

Make it Gluten-Free: Adapting this board for gluten-free guests is simple. The majority of the ingredients (cheeses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, chocolate) are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you select certified gluten-free crackers or crisps, and always double-check the labels of any packaged items (like truffles or gummy candies) to confirm they are free from gluten-containing ingredients.

Make it Keto-Friendly: For those following a keto diet, this board can be easily customized. Focus primarily on the low-carb components: the various cheeses, nuts, and a generous selection of vegetables like purple cauliflower and carrots. Limit or completely omit the crackers, dried fruits, and gummy candies, which are higher in carbohydrates and sugars, to keep the board keto-compliant.

Storage: This charcuterie board is designed to be enjoyed immediately after assembly for the best freshness and visual appeal. If you happen to have leftovers, carefully transfer any remaining components into separate airtight containers and refrigerate them. Consume within 2 days to maintain quality and safety.

Serving Suggestion: For the convenience of your guests, provide small appetizer plates and a few dedicated cheese knives. This makes it easy for everyone to select their desired items without disturbing the artful arrangement too much.