Obsidian Peak Cheese Platter (Print)

Dramatic black wax cheddar tower with dark rye crackers and charcoal almonds for a bold appetizer.

# Ingredients:

→ Cheese

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

→ 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

# Instructions:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated cheddar from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
02 - Place whole almonds in a small bowl, sprinkle with activated charcoal powder, and toss to coat evenly. Add flaky sea salt if desired.
03 - Position the whole block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright at the center of a large flat serving platter to create a mountain peak effect.
04 - Arrange dark rye crackers in a circular pattern around the cheese, forming the base of the peak.
05 - Distribute the charcoal-dusted almonds around the crackers, filling gaps and creating visual contrast.
06 - Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and edible black flowers, if using, for a dramatic presentation.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy with crackers and almonds.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on presentation when really you spent fifteen minutes.
  • The contrast of creamy, tangy aged cheddar against earthy charcoal almonds and dark crackers creates a flavor and visual experience that feels deliberately crafted.
  • There's something satisfying about serving a cheese that's uncut—guests get to slice what they want, making it feel interactive and generous.
02 -
  • Food-grade activated charcoal is non-toxic but use it sparingly—a little coating goes a long way, and you want the almonds to still taste like almonds, not a health supplement.
  • If your black wax cheddar is cold, the edges will be crumbly and harder to work with; thirty minutes at room temperature makes slicing infinitely easier and the flavor more pronounced.
  • The visual impact is half the magic here—a cluttered or cramped platter loses the dramatic effect, so give everything breathing room.
03 -
  • The black wax cheddar can come straight from the fridge to the platter if you're short on time, but those thirty minutes of rest genuinely elevate the eating experience—it's worth the small wait.
  • Food-grade activated charcoal can look gray or muddy if you oversaturate the almonds; toss lightly and often for an even, striking coat that still lets you see the almond shape underneath.
Back