Serengeti Sunset Appetizer (Printable)

Vibrant layers of apricots and smoked gouda combine for a fresh, visually stunning appetizer.

# What you'll need:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots

→ Cheese

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

→ Garnish

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

# How to make it:

01 - Lay parchment paper or a serving platter on your work surface to arrange the layers.
02 - Place a row of dried apricots horizontally, slightly overlapping to form the first band.
03 - Position a layer of smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricot band, allowing slight overlap.
04 - Continue alternating apricot and Gouda bands, creating at least three bands of each to mimic a sunset horizon.
05 - Gently press each layer to maintain neatness and alignment of the bands.
06 - Sprinkle chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper over the top as desired.
07 - Serve immediately using a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy serving.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually takes fifteen minutes flat.
  • The smoky cheese against sweet apricots creates a flavor combination that keeps people reaching for more.
  • No cooking required means you can prepare it while guests arrive, completely stress-free.
02 -
  • Overlapping matters more than perfection—the slight messiness is what gives this its charm and makes it feel handmade rather than manufactured.
  • If your apricots are hard, soak them in warm water for five minutes first; they'll be tender without becoming mushy.
03 -
  • Let your cheese come to cool room temperature before slicing—it will slice cleaner and taste more nuanced.
  • A mandoline makes thin, even cheese slices easier, but a sharp chef's knife works just fine if that's what you have.
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