6 ounces turkey bacon, cooked until crisp and folded
1 cup red grapes, washed and kept on the stem
1 cup green grapes, washed and kept on the stem
1 cup alcohol-free vanilla glazed pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries, for a pop of red
1/2 cup honey, served in a small bowl
1 package assorted crackers, including butter and multigrain varieties
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnish
1 small apple, thinly sliced
Instructions
Select a large wooden board, marble slab, or a flat holiday tray to serve as your canvas. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before you begin placing your items. If you are using a very large board, you might want to place it in its final serving location before you start building to avoid having to move a heavy, delicate arrangement later.
Place the brie wheel and the cubed cheddar on opposite sides of the board. These act as the anchor points for the rest of your ingredients. Leaving the brie whole allows guests to cut into it as needed, while the cubed cheddar provides an easy, grab and go option for quick snacking.
Arrange the crispy turkey bacon in small ribbon patterns or stacks near the cheeses. The salty profile of the turkey bacon pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the brie. Next, place your small bowl of honey on the board, which provides a sweet contrast to the savory meats and cheeses.
Tuck the bunches of red and green grapes into the larger open spaces on the board. Fan out the assorted crackers in a curving line around the cheeses to create a sense of movement. Add the thin apple slices near the cheddar, as their crisp texture is a classic pairing for sharp cheese varieties.
Fill any remaining small gaps with the alcohol-free vanilla glazed pecans and the dried cranberries. These smaller items make the platter look lush and abundant. Finally, tuck the fresh rosemary sprigs into the corners to add a lovely herbal aroma and a touch of festive greenery that looks just like a Christmas tree branch.
