Delightful owl-shaped crackers with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and fresh garnishes for a captivating centerpiece.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Owl Crackers
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
06 - 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1/4 cup cold water
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for decoration
09 - 12 whole black peppercorns or sliced black olives for owl eyes
→ Cheeses
10 - 3.5 oz Brie, sliced
11 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda, sliced
12 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, crumbled
13 - 3.5 oz blue cheese, crumbled
→ Fruits & Nuts
14 - 1 small bunch seedless grapes
15 - 1 small apple, thinly sliced
16 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
17 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
18 - 1/2 cup walnuts
19 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
→ Garnishes
20 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
21 - Edible flowers (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Combine flour, salt, pepper, and thyme in a mixing bowl. Rub in cold butter with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in grated cheddar cheese, then gradually add cold water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Wrap dough tightly and chill for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut out owl shapes. Decorate with sesame seeds for feathers and peppercorns or olive slices for eyes. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - On a large wooden board or platter, section cheeses attractively. Distribute cooled owl crackers evenly among cheeses. Arrange grape clusters, apple and pear slices, dried apricots, walnuts, and almonds in small piles. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible flowers to evoke a forest setting.
