Save to Pinterest I discovered the magic of lavender on a sun-soaked afternoon at a farmer's market in Provence, where a vendor handed me a wedge of lavender-coated goat cheese to taste. The first bite was a revelation—floral without being perfumy, creamy, and somehow both delicate and bold. That moment sparked an obsession with building an entire platter around that single ingredient, turning it into something worthy of a special gathering.
I made this for my neighbor one evening when she stopped by with wine, and we ended up talking for hours with nothing but this board between us. The conversation flowed as easily as the wine, and by the end, she was asking for the recipe—not to make it herself, but to understand how something so simple could feel so intentional. That's when I realized this wasn't really about the cheese at all.
Ingredients
- Lavender-coated goat cheese, 150g: This is the soul of the board—creamy, tangy, with that unexpected floral note that makes people curious. Slice it into clean rounds so each piece is a perfect bite.
- Ash-rinded brie, 200g: The gentle counterpoint, earthy and luxurious, cutting through the lavender's brightness with its own quiet elegance.
- Seedless grapes, halved, 1 cup: Red or black, they offer tartness and textural contrast, plus they catch the light beautifully on the board.
- Fresh figs, 1/2 cup quartered: If you can find them, fresh figs are worth the splurge—dried works, but fresh ones add a honeyed sweetness that feels indulgent.
- Candied walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup: The crunch matters more than you'd think, breaking up the softness and adding a subtle sweetness.
- Lavender honey, 2 tbsp: A gentle drizzle amplifies the theme without overwhelming it; regular honey works too if that's what you have.
- Edible flowers, 1/2 cup: Violets or pansies add color and reinforce the garden aesthetic—make sure they're from a food-safe source.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: A aromatics garnish that smells incredible and adds an herbal earthiness to the floral notes.
- Toasted baguette slices or gluten-free crackers: The vehicles for building bites; toast them just before serving so they're still warm.
- Charcoal or black sesame crackers: These dark crackers create visual drama against the soft purples and create another flavor dimension.
Instructions
- Start with the cheeses:
- Arrange the lavender goat cheese rounds and ash-rinded brie wedges across your board with intention—think of it like composing a painting. Leave room to breathe between them so each cheese has its moment.
- Build in clusters:
- Gather grapes and figs into small nests around the cheeses, creating natural paths for the eye and hand. This isn't formal—it's more like arranging flowers than plating.
- Add texture and warmth:
- Scatter candied nuts in the gaps, letting them catch the light. Drizzle a little lavender honey over the goat cheese itself, then place a small dish of extra honey nearby for those who want more.
- Finish with color and aroma:
- Tuck edible flowers and thyme sprigs throughout, tucking them between cheeses and fruit like you're composing the board for a photo it doesn't need to be perfect, just pretty. Add warm toasted bread and dark crackers to the edges just before serving.
- Serve warm and present:
- Bring it to the table while the bread is still warm and the flowers are still fresh. Encourage people to build their own bites—that's where the real joy happens.
Save to Pinterest There's a moment that happens every time I make this board when someone leans in close and inhales deeply, taking in the lavender and thyme and honey all at once. That pause, that moment of genuine pleasure before the eating even begins—that's the whole reason I keep making it.
The Lavender Question
People always ask if the lavender is too much, if it tastes like soap or a bath bomb. The secret is that true culinary lavender is nothing like the dried stuff in home décor—it's subtle, almost honeyed, with just a whisper of florality. If you're nervous, start by tasting the goat cheese on its own before committing to the board; one bite will reassure you. The ash-rinded brie acts as an earthing agent too, grounding all that purple delicacy with its mineral undertones.
Why This Board Works for Every Season
Summer calls for fresh figs and a chilled rosé; winter invites dried figs and a floral white like Gewürztraminer. Spring might ask for candied violets, and autumn wants those toasted nuts more than ever. The bones of this board are flexible enough to bend with what's available, but sturdy enough that it never loses its identity. I've made it in every season, and it's never felt out of place.
Building the Perfect Bite
The art of this board isn't in the arrangement—it's in teaching people how to build. A slice of lavender goat cheese on a charcoal cracker, topped with a halved grape and a single thyme leaf. Or ash-rinded brie on warm toast with a fig and a drizzle of honey. Or just the cheese and a flower and nothing else. Every combination tells a different story, and that's the point.
- Never load the bites too heavy—let each ingredient shine rather than compete for attention.
- Encourage guests to taste the cheeses on their own first, then with companions; the layering of flavors reveals itself slowly.
- Have extra honey nearby; people are always braver with a little sweetness to balance the floral notes.
Save to Pinterest This board is proof that the most memorable meals aren't always complicated—sometimes they're just about choosing ingredients you love and arranging them with a little intention. The lavender haze is a moment to slow down and taste things properly.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are featured in the Lavender Haze platter?
Lavender-coated goat cheese and ash-rinded brie provide soft, creamy textures with unique floral and earthy notes.
- → How can I enhance the floral flavors on the board?
Drizzling lavender honey over the goat cheese intensifies floral aromas, while edible flowers and fresh thyme add subtle fragrance and visual appeal.
- → What accompaniments work well with these cheeses?
Seedless red or black grapes, fresh or dried figs, and candied walnuts or pecans bring sweetness and crunch to balance the creamy cheeses.
- → Can this board be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, substitute the baguette slices with gluten-free crackers to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste.
- → What serving tools are recommended?
A large serving board or platter and a sharp cheese knife will help with attractive presentation and easy slicing.
- → Are there suggestions for beverage pairings?
Chilled Provence rosé or a floral white wine, such as Gewürztraminer, complement the delicate flavors wonderfully.