Elegant Swan Lake Board

# What You Need:

→ Swans

01 - 7 oz white cheese (mozzarella, Havarti, or firm goat cheese) or 2 crisp white-fleshed apples

→ Lake Surroundings

02 - 9 oz blue grapes, washed and stems removed

03 - 3.5 oz pale crackers (rice crackers, water crackers, or gluten-free crackers)

→ Garnishes (optional)

04 - Fresh mint leaves

05 - Edible flowers such as pansies or violets

# How to Make It:

01 - If using cheese, slice into 0.4-inch thick pieces. Carve two symmetrical swan shapes using a small sharp knife, shaping neck and head from smaller pieces and securing with toothpicks if needed. If using apples, halve vertically and carve swan bodies and necks with a paring knife. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.

02 - Position the two swans facing each other at the center of a large platter or wooden board.

03 - Create a curved, flowing pattern of blue grapes around the swans to simulate water.

04 - Fan pale crackers around the grapes to complete the shoreline effect.

05 - Place fresh mint leaves and edible flowers around the edges for added color and elegance.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping centerpiece that makes your guests pause before they eat
No cooking required means you can create restaurant-quality elegance in just 25 minutes
The swans become conversation starters, turning an appetizer into a moment of shared wonder

02 -

Work with chilled cheese—it holds its shape and carves clean. Room temperature cheese will crumble and frustrate you, so give yourself that gift of preparation.
If using apples, your lemon juice is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way after spending 20 minutes on a beautiful swan only to watch it brown before guests arrived.

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