Colorful platter arranged as a masquerade mask with olives, cheeses, and fresh vegetables for festive occasions.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base & Eye Openings
01 - 2 large green or black olives, pitted (or 2 small cubes of firm cheese such as cheddar or gouda)
→ Vegetables & Fruits
02 - 1 cup cucumber slices, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup colorful bell pepper strips (red, yellow, orange)
04 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup red radish slices
06 - 1/2 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
07 - 1/2 cup seedless grapes (red or green)
→ Cheeses & Accompaniments
08 - 1 cup assorted cheeses, cubed (cheddar, gouda, Swiss)
09 - 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls
10 - 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
11 - 1/4 cup dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, or figs)
12 - 1/2 cup crackers or breadsticks (optional)
→ Garnishes
13 - Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, dill)
14 - Edible flowers (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Choose a large, oval or rectangular serving board as your base.
02 - Place the two olives or cheese cubes near the center top of the board, spaced apart horizontally to resemble the mask's eye openings.
03 - Starting above and around the eyes, fan out the vegetable slices, bell pepper strips, and fruit in wide, symmetrical arcs—mimicking the ornate, feathered edges of a masquerade mask.
04 - Tuck cheese cubes and mozzarella balls among the vegetables and fruits for texture and color.
05 - Fill in gaps with nuts and dried fruits for additional flavor and visual appeal.
06 - If using, arrange crackers or breadsticks at the lower edge or sides of the board.
07 - Garnish with fresh herbs and edible flowers for a festive touch.
08 - Serve immediately.