Serengeti Sunset Apricots Gouda (Printable)

Sweet apricots paired with smoky gouda create vibrant, colorful bands inspired by a Serengeti sunset.

# What Goes In:

→ Fruit

01 - 12 dried apricots (preferably deep orange and plump)

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced into thin rectangles

→ Garnish (optional)

03 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
04 - 1 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Lay a piece of parchment paper or a serving platter on your work surface.
02 - Arrange a row of dried apricots horizontally, slightly overlapping, to form the first band.
03 - Place a layer of smoked Gouda slices directly above the apricot band, allowing edges to touch and slightly overlap.
04 - Continue alternating bands of apricots and smoked Gouda, aiming for at least three bands of each to create a vibrant horizon effect.
05 - Gently press each layer to keep the bands neat and aligned for a more dramatic presentation.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
07 - Serve immediately using a sharp knife for clean slices or provide cocktail picks for easy handling.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes 15 minutes and requires zero cooking, so you can stress less and impress more.
  • The colors are so striking that guests always ask for the recipe before they even taste it.
  • That sweet-smoky flavor combination is genuinely addictive and keeps people reaching for more.
02 -
  • Don't slice the apricots—whole ones look infinitely more impressive and hold their shape better when you're building.
  • The Gouda needs to be thin enough to feel delicate but thick enough not to tear; a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife works perfectly.
03 -
  • Slice your cheese the night before and layer it between parchment paper in the fridge—it's one less thing to rush on party day.
  • A truly sharp knife makes all the difference when you're slicing both the apricots (if needed) and presenting the finished dish cleanly.
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