Serengeti Sunset Apricots Gouda (Print)

A visually striking appetizer with dried apricots and smoked Gouda, enhanced by chives and pumpkin seeds.

# Ingredients:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots, preferably deep orange and plump

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced into thin rectangles

→ Garnish

03 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Lay parchment paper or a serving platter on your work area.
02 - Arrange a horizontal row of dried apricots, slightly overlapping, to form the first band.
03 - Place smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricot band, edges touching and slightly overlapping the apricots.
04 - Continue layering apricots and smoked Gouda alternately, aiming for at least three bands of each to evoke the sunset effect.
05 - Gently press each layer to keep the bands neat and aligned for a dramatic presentation.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
07 - Serve immediately using a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy serving.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours on it, but honestly takes fifteen minutes and zero cooking.
  • The sweet chewiness of apricots against smoky, salty Gouda is a flavor combination that makes people stop mid-conversation to ask what they're eating.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian without feeling like you're accommodating anyone—it's just genuinely good food.
02 -
  • Cold Gouda slices much cleaner than room temperature cheese—pull it from the fridge right before slicing and work quickly.
  • The apricots and cheese taste better when they've sat together for a few minutes, so make this no more than thirty minutes before serving.
03 -
  • Slice your Gouda while it's still cold and your apricots while they're fresh—both work so much better when they're at their firmest.
  • The visual impact is everything here, so take a breath and arrange mindfully rather than rushing the layering.
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