Yin-Yang Balance Appetizer Board (Print Version)

A visually striking board balancing fresh blackberries, cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a harmonious spread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dividing Line

01 - 5.3 oz fresh blackberries

→ Light Side

02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese (chèvre), sliced
03 - 3.5 oz young Manchego or white cheddar, cubed
04 - 1 small pear, thinly sliced
05 - 1.8 oz white grapes
06 - 1.1 oz raw almonds
07 - 1.1 oz rice crackers or light-colored crackers

→ Dark Side

08 - 3.5 oz aged blue cheese, sliced
09 - 3.5 oz aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, cubed
10 - 1 small black plum, thinly sliced
11 - 1.8 oz red or black grapes
12 - 1.1 oz roasted hazelnuts
13 - 1.1 oz dark rye crisps or seeded crackers

→ Garnishes

14 - Fresh mint leaves
15 - Edible flowers (optional)

# How To:

01 - Place a large, round serving board on a clean work surface.
02 - Form a curved line of fresh blackberries across the center of the board to create the yin-yang division.
03 - On one side of the blackberry curve, neatly arrange goat cheese slices, cubed young Manchego or white cheddar, pear slices, white grapes, raw almonds, and light-colored crackers.
04 - On the opposite side, arrange aged blue cheese slices, cubed aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, plum slices, red or black grapes, roasted hazelnuts, and dark rye crisps or seeded crackers.
05 - Decorate the board with fresh mint leaves and optional edible flowers for color and freshness.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to enjoy a harmonious balance of flavors and colors.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours planning when it truly takes twenty minutes, making you the hero of any gathering.
  • Every guest finds their flavor profile on one side or the other, so nobody feels left out.
  • The curved blackberry line is forgiving enough that imperfection actually adds charm.
02 -
  • Never prep the pear or plum more than fifteen minutes ahead—oxidation turns them gray and defeats the entire visual purpose.
  • The blackberry curve is your map; don't let it get bumped or rearranged once guests start eating, or the whole concept loses its impact.
03 -
  • Odd numbers create visual harmony, so group ingredients in threes or fives rather than pairs—it feels less staged and more organic.
  • Keep a small damp cloth nearby while arranging; it's much easier to wipe your fingers than to rearrange cheese that's been handled too much.
Go Back