Heart of Romance Board (Print)

A colorful heart-shaped board featuring cheeses, meats, fruits, and sweet accents for a festive touch.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheeses

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

→ Cured Meats (omit for vegetarian)

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 to 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 on a large platter to trace a heart shape, or alternatively use a heart-shaped tray.
02 - Position small bowls filled with beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart shape.
03 - Distribute brie, goat cheese rounds, and manchego slices thoughtfully within the heart to balance visual appeal.
04 - Fold prosciutto, roll salami, and fan out coppa, placing them strategically to emphasize the shape and add texture.
05 - Scatter strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds across the board to enhance red and pink tones.
06 - Fill gaps with sliced mini sweet red peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans for color and crunch.
07 - Place dark chocolate–covered almonds and optional heart-shaped candies to evoke a romantic atmosphere.
08 - Line the edges or cluster heart-shaped crackers or baguette slices within the heart for accessibility.
09 - Ensure the board appears abundant and colorful, then serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No cooking required means you can focus on the presentation that makes people gasp when they see it
  • It looks like you spent hours in a fancy charcuterie shop, but you assembled it all yourself in under 30 minutes
  • Every element is customizable, so dietary needs never mean someone misses out on the magic
  • It's a conversation starter that naturally brings people closer together as they reach for their favorite bites
02 -
  • Room temperature transforms everything—cheeses taste richer, meats have better texture, and all the flavors speak more clearly after 15 minutes out of the fridge
  • Assemble as close to serving time as possible; the board is at its most beautiful the moment it's finished, and everything holds up best in those first 30 minutes
  • The heart shape is forgiving—imperfect edges actually look more authentic and charming than perfect ones ever could
03 -
  • Buy your ingredients the morning of serving; cheese and cured meats are at their peak flavor when not sitting in your fridge for days waiting for the occasion
  • If you're nervous about the heart outline, practice with parchment paper first—but honestly, even wonky hearts look endearing and authentic
  • Serve with good wine; the board becomes transcendent when paired with a sparkling rosé or light Pinot Noir that complements without competing
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