Fireside Comfort & Cocoa Platter (Printable Version)

A rustic board pairing aged cheeses, dark chocolate, and warm cocoa, perfect for sharing by the fire.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheeses

01 - 7 oz aged cheddar, cut into large irregular chunks
02 - 5.3 oz aged gouda, broken into wedges
03 - 5.3 oz blue cheese, crumbled or chunked

→ Chocolate & Sweets

04 - 4.2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), broken into pieces
05 - 3.5 oz chocolate-covered almonds
06 - 2.8 oz chocolate-dipped dried figs
07 - 2.1 oz chocolate truffles

→ Accompaniments

08 - 1 small baguette, sliced
09 - 2.8 oz roasted walnuts or pecans
10 - 1 pear, sliced
11 - 1 apple, sliced
12 - 2 tbsp honey

→ Hot Cocoa

13 - 2 cups whole milk
14 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
16 - 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
17 - Pinch of salt
18 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
19 - Whipped cream, optional
20 - Shaved chocolate, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Place the aged cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese on a large serving board, maintaining rustic, irregular pieces for a hearty appearance.
02 - Cluster the dark chocolate pieces, chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate-dipped figs, and truffles around the cheeses for visual contrast.
03 - Surround the cheeses and chocolates with sliced baguette, roasted nuts, pear, and apple slices. Serve honey in a small bowl for dipping.
04 - Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Add chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, whisking until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Pour hot cocoa into mugs and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate if desired.
06 - Serve the assembled board alongside the hot cocoa for a cozy fireside experience.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It requires almost no cooking—just thoughtful arranging, which means you stay present with your guests instead of stuck in the kitchen
  • The combination of salty aged cheese and dark chocolate creates an addictive contrast that surprises everyone who tries it
  • You can make this fancy or casual depending on your mood, and it works just as well for two people as for a crowd
  • The hot cocoa elevates the whole experience from snack to ceremony, turning an ordinary evening into something memorable
02 -
  • Cheese temperature matters more than you think—if it's cold from the fridge, it will be hard to eat and won't taste as rich and creamy. Let it sit out for 15 minutes before arranging
  • Whisking the cocoa mixture is non-negotiable. If you stir slowly or skip the whisking, you'll end up with chocolate sludge at the bottom of your mug. The whisking incorporates air and creates that silky texture
  • Slice your fruit last, just before serving. It discolors quickly and starts to oxidize the moment the cut is made—the difference between apple slices that look fresh and ones that look tired is literally those last few minutes
03 -
  • Buy your cheeses from a real cheese counter, not pre-packaged. The person there can tell you which aged cheddars and goudas are in season and actually taste like something
  • Make the hot cocoa first and let it cool slightly while you set the board—this way it's still hot when people sit down but your hands are free to arrange things properly
  • If you're making this ahead for a party, arrange the board 30 minutes before guests arrive, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and keep it in a cool spot—not the refrigerator. When guests arrive, uncover it and let it warm up while you pour the cocoa
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