Obsidian Peak Cheese Plate (Printable)

A striking black wax cheddar tower with rye crackers and charcoal-dusted almonds for bold flavor.

# Ingredient list:

→ Cheese

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

→ Accompaniments

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

→ Garnish (optional)

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated aged cheddar from the refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to bring out its rich flavor.
02 - Place the whole almonds in a small bowl and toss with food-grade activated charcoal powder to coat evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
03 - Position the entire block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright at the center of a large, flat serving platter to create a mountain peak effect.
04 - Form a circular base around the cheese by arranging the dark rye crackers evenly around the centerpiece.
05 - Scatter the charcoal-dusted almonds around the crackers, filling gaps and enhancing visual contrast.
06 - Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and, if using, edible black flowers to add a dramatic finishing touch.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy with crackers and almonds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks intimidating but takes barely 15 minutes, which means you can pull off something that feels fancy without the stress.
  • The black wax cheddar stays perfectly sliceable and creamy while looking like it belongs in a design magazine.
  • Everyone feels like they're part of something intentional when they gather around it.
02 -
  • The black wax coating is not meant to be eaten. Peel it back or slice straight through it depending on how you want to portion the cheese, then discard the wax.
  • Activated charcoal has almost no flavor, so don't worry about it overpowering the almonds. It's purely visual, which is the whole point.
03 -
  • Buy your black wax cheddar from a proper cheese counter where they can tell you the aging and help you pick one with real character.
  • Toast the rye crackers lightly under a broiler for 90 seconds before plating if you want them even darker and crunchier.
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