Elegant Swan Lake Board

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, water, or gluten-free crackers)

→ Garnishes (optional)

04 - Fresh mint leaves

05 - Edible flowers (pansies or violets)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - If using cheese: Slice cheese into 0.4 inch thick pieces. Carve two symmetrical swan shapes using a small sharp knife, creating necks and heads from smaller pieces, assembling with toothpicks if needed. If using apples: Halve each apple 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 - Arrange the blue grapes in a curved, flowing pattern around the swans to mimic water.

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

05 - Optionally tuck fresh mint leaves and edible flowers around the edges to add color and elegance.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It looks restaurant-quality but takes just 25 minutes, so you'll actually make it again
Works perfectly for both cheese lovers and those who prefer fruit, since you can swap the medium
Gluten-free crackers mean everyone at your table can enjoy it without worry

02 -

A dull knife will crush your cheese or apples; a sharp knife is non-negotiable. I learned this the hard way with a crumbled mozzarella swan that looked more like a snowdrift.
If you're using apples, brush them immediately with lemon juice to keep that pristine white color. Even five minutes of exposure to air will start the browning process.

03 -