Obsidian Peak Cheese Platter (Printable view)

Dramatic cheese centerpiece with black wax cheddar, charcoal almonds, and dark rye crackers for bold tastes.

# What You Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz black wax-coated aged cheddar (whole block or wedge)

→ Accompaniments

02 - 5.3 oz dark rye crackers
03 - 3.5 oz whole almonds
04 - 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder (food-grade)
05 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt (optional)

→ Garnish

06 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
07 - Edible black flowers (such as viola or pansy, optional)

# How To Make:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated cheddar from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
02 - Place whole almonds in a small bowl and coat evenly with food-grade activated charcoal powder, adding flaky sea salt if desired.
03 - Position the whole block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright in the center of a large, flat serving platter to create a mountain peak effect.
04 - Arrange dark rye crackers in a circular pattern around the cheese to form the base of the mountain.
05 - Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds around the crackers, filling gaps and providing a striking visual contrast.
06 - Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers, if using, for a dramatic finishing touch.
07 - Serve immediately, inviting guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy with the crackers and almonds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms a simple cheese into a conversation-starting centerpiece that tastes as bold as it looks.
  • Requires almost no cooking skill, just the confidence to stack things deliberately and let the ingredients speak for themselves.
  • The charcoal almonds add an unexpected textural crunch and earthy note that makes people pause and ask what they just ate.
02 -
  • Food-grade activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal you'd use for a grill, so source it carefully and use it sparingly or it will taste medicinal and bitter.
  • The dramatic black wax coating is not edible, so make sure your guests know to slice or cut around it rather than trying to eat through it.
03 -
  • Let the cheddar come to room temperature before serving so every slice reveals the complexity of the aging rather than tasting cold and harsh.
  • Arrange your platter no more than 15 minutes before serving so the charcoal coating on the almonds doesn't migrate onto other elements and the visual drama stays sharp.
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