Serengeti Sunset Apricot Gouda (Print)

Sweet dried apricots alternate with smoky Gouda in vibrant layers evoking the Serengeti sunset's warm hues.

# Ingredients:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots (deep orange, plump)

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced thinly into rectangles

→ Garnish

03 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Lay parchment paper or a serving platter on your work surface.
02 - Place a horizontal row of dried apricots, slightly overlapping to form the first orange band.
03 - Position a layer of smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricot row, edges touching and slightly overlapping.
04 - Continue alternating apricot and Gouda layers, aiming for at least three bands of each to mimic a sunset horizon.
05 - Gently press each layer to keep bands neat and aligned for an appealing presentation.
06 - Sprinkle chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper over the layered arrangement as desired.
07 - Serve immediately with a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in 15 minutes, which means you can impress people without stress or a hot kitchen.
  • The interplay between chewy apricots and creamy, smoky cheese feels luxurious but tastes effortless.
  • It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for almost any table without apologies or substitutions.
02 -
  • Don't slice your Gouda too thick—it will overpower the delicate apricots and make the whole thing feel heavy instead of elegant.
  • If your apricots seem tough or dry, soak them in warm water for five minutes before arranging; a tender apricot transforms the entire bite.
03 -
  • Assemble this no more than an hour before serving so the cheese stays firm and the apricots maintain their chew without drying further.
  • If you're making this for a crowd, arrange it on individual small boards or slate tiles instead of one large platter—it feels more intentional and scales beautifully.
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