Heart of Romance Board (Printable Version)

A colorful heart-shaped arrangement combining cheeses, meats, fruits, and sweets for a romantic spread.

# List of 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 - ½ cup pomegranate seeds

→ Vegetables

11 - 8–10 mini sweet red peppers, sliced
12 - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Accompaniments

13 - ½ cup pink beet hummus
14 - ½ cup red pepper jelly
15 - ½ cup candied pecans
16 - ½ cup dark chocolate–covered almonds
17 - ¼ cup heart-shaped candies (optional)

→ Crackers & Bread

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

# How to Make It:

01 - On a large platter or board, outline a heart shape using parchment paper or use a heart-shaped tray if available.
02 - Place small bowls of beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart shape.
03 - Distribute the cheeses in several sections within the heart, spacing them evenly for visual balance.
04 - Fold or roll the cured meats and place them strategically to emphasize the heart outline and add textural contrast.
05 - Disperse strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds focusing on vibrant red and pink tones throughout the board.
06 - Fill remaining gaps with sliced mini sweet peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans for color and crunch.
07 - Place dark chocolate-covered almonds and optional heart-shaped candies for a romantic accent.
08 - Arrange crackers and bread slices along edges or in small piles within the heart shape for accessibility.
09 - Ensure the board looks abundant by filling all spaces and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impossibly elegant but requires zero cooking skills, just creativity and love for arranging
  • Everyone feels special when they see a board shaped like a heart waiting for them
  • You can prep it in just 25 minutes, leaving you time to actually enjoy the moment instead of being stuck in the kitchen
  • It's naturally flexible—vegetarian guests, guests with nut allergies, or surprise dietary needs? Just swap elements without changing the magic
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than you'd think—let cheeses sit out for 15 minutes before serving so their flavors fully bloom. Cold cheese tastes muted and one-dimensional.
  • The order of assembly is everything. Position your bowls and cheese first, then build outward. If you place meats first, you'll find yourself constantly rearranging as you add fruit.
  • Arrange this board no more than 2 hours before serving. After that, berries start to weep, crackers begin softening, and the fresh magic starts to fade.
03 -
  • If beet hummus isn't available at your store, you can make a simple version by blending canned beets with Greek yogurt, a touch of horseradish, and salt. It's not exactly traditional, but it's delicious and captures that romantic pink color.
  • Dark chocolate-covered almonds from the bulk section are usually half the price of pre-packaged versions and taste just as good. Buy them fresh—chocolate can develop a white coating over time, which is still edible but not ideal.
  • Cut everything except the softest cheeses with sharp, cold knives. Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for the cleanest presentation—this tricks works especially well for brie and goat cheese.
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