Heart of Romance Board (Print Version)

Elegant heart-shaped board with cheeses, meats, fruits, and vibrant dips for a festive presentation.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz brie, cut into wedges
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
03 - 3.5 oz manchego, thinly sliced

→ Cured Meats

04 - 2.8 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 2.8 oz salami, rolled
06 - 2.1 oz coppa, fanned out

→ Fresh Fruits

07 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
08 - 1 cup raspberries
09 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
10 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Vegetables

11 - 8–10 mini sweet red peppers, sliced
12 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Accompaniments

13 - 1/2 cup pink beet hummus
14 - 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
15 - 1/2 cup candied pecans
16 - 1/2 cup dark chocolate–covered almonds
17 - 1/4 cup heart-shaped candies (optional)

→ Crackers & Bread

18 - 1 cup heart-shaped crackers or thinly sliced baguette

# Directions:

01 - Use parchment paper to outline a heart shape on a large platter or board, or use a heart-shaped tray if available.
02 - Set small bowls containing beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart outline.
03 - Distribute cheeses within the heart shape, spacing them evenly for aesthetic balance.
04 - Fold or roll prosciutto, salami, and coppa and position them to accentuate the heart shape and create textural interest.
05 - Place strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds primarily to enhance the red and pink color scheme.
06 - Intersperse mini sweet red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans to fill remaining spaces.
07 - Sprinkle dark chocolate–covered almonds and optional heart-shaped candies for a romantic accent.
08 - Place heart-shaped crackers or baguette slices along edges and in small clusters inside the heart.
09 - Ensure the board appears lush and abundant by filling all empty spaces before serving immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning without requiring any cooking skills—just beautiful arrangement and a little creativity.
  • Everything can be prepared ahead, so you're actually present with your guests instead of stuck in the kitchen.
  • The mix of textures and flavors means there's something for everyone, whether they're a cheese person, a charcuterie lover, or a fruit devotee.
  • It transforms simple ingredients into something that feels celebratory and romantic, perfect for making ordinary moments feel special.
02 -
  • Room temperature matters more than you'd think. Cheeses and cured meats taste infinitely better when they've been out of the fridge for 15–20 minutes. Cold cheese is muted cheese.
  • Arrangement order is everything—arrange delicate items like raspberries last, otherwise they get squished or displaced as you add other elements. Save them as your finishing touch.
  • Buy the best quality ingredients you can afford. A beautiful arrangement won't save mediocre cheese or lackluster charcuterie. This board lives or dies by its ingredients.
03 -
  • Use heart-shaped cookie cutters on your cheeses or cured meats for an extra romantic touch that requires almost no extra effort.
  • Arrange ingredients in odd numbers and groups—three strawberry clusters instead of two or four feels more natural and visually balanced.
  • Keep your hands clean and dry while arranging, and use small tweezers or a fork to place delicate items like raspberries without crushing them.
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