Black and White Formal Affair

# Components:

→ Black Elements

01 - 3.5 oz pitted black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise)

02 - 8 slices dark rye bread

03 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

04 - 8 black mission figs, halved (optional)

→ White Elements

05 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

06 - 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella (from a large ball)

07 - 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

08 - 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

09 - 16 peeled blanched almonds

→ Garnish and Assembly

10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

11 - Flaky sea salt, to taste

12 - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cut dark rye bread slices into squares, triangles, or rectangles and arrange them in alternating rows or patterns on a large platter.

02 - Place black olives and fresh mozzarella balls in alternating lines or circles to create a striking black-and-white contrast.

03 - Slice the large mozzarella ball into thin pieces and arrange these alongside the rye bread in geometric shapes.

04 - Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the white mozzarella pieces and white sesame seeds over the rye bread for added texture and visual appeal.

05 - If using, halve the black mission figs and position them strategically to introduce sweetness and contrast.

06 - Cluster or line peeled blanched almonds to create additional white highlights on the platter.

07 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and bread, then lightly season with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

08 - Use a knife tip to gently scrape vanilla seeds from the pod and dot them artfully atop mozzarella slices for an elegant aroma.

09 - Serve immediately to maintain crispness or cover and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

Zero cooking required—just 25 minutes of artful assembly, which means you can focus on what really matters: impressing your guests and enjoying the moment
It's a conversation piece that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when you actually just arranged ingredients with intention
The combination of creamy, salty, sweet, and nutty flavors works because the visual simplicity makes each element shine individually

02 -

Drain your mozzarella balls thoroughly before arranging—even a little excess moisture will pool and disrupt your clean patterns. I learned this the hard way at my first attempt.
Cut your bread and mozzarella slices right before plating. Both dry out faster than you'd expect, and wilted edges destroy the geometric precision you're creating.
The vanilla bean is optional but transformative—it adds sophistication without competing with the savory elements. Use it sparingly, as a secret that only reveals itself when guests lean in close.

03 -