Hearty sliced meats, aged cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and crackers arranged on an eye-catching platter.
# Components:
→ Meats
01 - 3.5 oz sliced roast beef
02 - 3.5 oz sliced smoked turkey
03 - 3.5 oz sliced salami
04 - 3.5 oz biltong or beef jerky (optional)
→ Cheeses
05 - 3.5 oz aged cheddar, cubed
06 - 3.5 oz gouda, cubed
07 - 3.5 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
→ Fruits & Garnishes
08 - 1 mango, sliced
09 - 1 cup seedless red grapes
10 - 1 cup pineapple chunks
11 - 1/2 cup dried apricots
→ Crackers & Nuts
12 - 1 cup assorted gluten-free crackers
13 - 1/2 cup roasted cashews
14 - 1/2 cup roasted almonds
→ Decorative Elements
15 - Fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish
16 - Edible flowers (optional)
# Directions:
01 - On a large platter or wooden board, lay out the meats in a semi-circle or mane shape to represent a lion's mane.
02 - Place cubed cheeses centrally to form the lion's face.
03 - Use mozzarella balls to form the snout and eyes; place a grape or olive as the nose.
04 - Surround the meats with sliced mango, grapes, pineapple chunks, and dried apricots to add color and contrast.
05 - Fill remaining spaces with gluten-free crackers and roasted nuts to achieve a balanced visual appeal.
06 - Finish with fresh basil or mint leaves and optionally edible flowers for a jungle-inspired presentation.
07 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
