Fireside Comfort Cocoa Platter (Print Version)

A rustic indulgent platter combining aged cheeses, dark chocolate, and warm cocoa for cozy moments.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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, for serving (optional)
20 - Shaved chocolate, for garnish (optional)

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Place aged cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese on a large wooden board, keeping pieces rustic and irregular to create a hearty presentation.
02 - Cluster dark chocolate pieces, chocolate-covered almonds, chocolate-dipped figs, and truffles around the cheeses for visual contrast.
03 - Surround cheeses and chocolates with sliced baguette, roasted nuts, pear, and apple slices. Drizzle honey into a small bowl for dipping.
04 - Warm whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, not boiling. Add chopped dark chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt; whisk until smooth and chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Pour hot cocoa into mugs, optionally topping with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Serve alongside the platter for a cozy fireside experience.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in just 25 minutes, so you can pull together something restaurant-worthy without spending hours in the kitchen
  • The contrast of rich, creamy aged cheeses against dark chocolate and tart dried fruit creates a complexity that makes everyone linger longer at the table
  • Serving it with homemade hot cocoa transforms a simple snack into a full sensory experience that feels deeply comforting
  • It's infinitely adaptable, so you can swap in your favorite cheeses or add whatever fruit and nuts you have on hand
02 -
  • Temperature is everything with hot cocoa. Too hot and the chocolate will taste scorched and bitter, destroying the entire experience. Medium heat and patience create something smooth and luxurious instead.
  • Slice your fruit just before serving. Apples and pears brown quickly, and that oxidation changes both appearance and flavor. Doing this step at the last minute keeps everything fresh and inviting.
  • Not all blue cheese is created equal. Seek out one that tastes creamy and smooth rather than aggressively funky if this is your first time. A good aged blue cheese will surprise you with how beautifully it plays with chocolate.
03 -
  • Remove your cheeses from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. At room temperature, their flavors bloom and their textures become more interesting and expressive.
  • Make your hot cocoa last so it's still warm when you serve it, giving you the full experience of the platter, then the warmth and comfort of cocoa at the end of the evening.
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