Yin Yang Balance Board (Print Version)

A visually striking platter showcasing a balance of dark and light ingredients with contrasting flavors and textures.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dark Side

01 - 1 cup black olives, pitted
02 - 2.8 oz dark rye crackers
03 - 2.8 oz aged balsamic-glazed mushrooms, sliced (optional)
04 - 2.1 oz black grapes or blackberries
05 - 1.8 oz dark chocolate squares (70% cacao or above)

→ Light Side

06 - 4.2 oz white cheese (goat cheese, brie, or mozzarella), sliced or cubed
07 - 2.8 oz rice crackers or water crackers
08 - 2.1 oz raw cashews or blanched almonds
09 - 1.8 oz dried apricots or white grapes
10 - 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling, optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Place a large, round serving board or platter on your work area.
02 - Using a small bowl or circular cutter as a guide, lightly mark an S-shaped curve down the center of the platter to create the yin and yang separation.
03 - Arrange black olives, dark rye crackers, balsamic-glazed mushrooms (if using), black grapes or blackberries, and dark chocolate squares neatly on one half of the platter.
04 - On the opposite half, arrange the white cheese, rice or water crackers, cashews or almonds, dried apricots or white grapes, and drizzle honey over if desired.
05 - Place a small round cheese ball or olive as the dot in each swirl to mimic the yin-yang symbol.
06 - Serve immediately, encouraging guests to sample both sides for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Looks so impressive your guests will think you spent hours, but it takes just 20 minutes
  • No cooking required, which means you can prep it while chatting or even right before everyone arrives
  • The contrast of flavors and textures keeps people reaching back for more—a little something for every craving
  • Vegetarian and naturally elegant, the kind of board that works for casual hangouts or fancy dinner parties
02 -
  • Don't prep this more than 2 hours ahead—the crackers will absorb moisture from the cheese and become soft, and the cut fruits will start to oxidize. The fresh, crisp quality is what makes it sing.
  • Quality matters more than quantity here. One excellent cheese is better than three mediocre ones. One beautiful olive is better than a pile of average ones. This arrangement celebrates ingredients, so choose with intention.
03 -
  • The contrast between ingredients is everything—pair soft with crisp, sweet with savory, creamy with crumbly. This is what keeps people reaching back.
  • Source the best single ingredient you can afford rather than mediocre versions of many things. One stunning piece of aged balsamic cheese is worth more than three forgettable ones.
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