Heart of Romance Board (Printable)

A colorful heart-shaped spread blending cheeses, fruits, cured meats, and sweet treats for a romantic touch.

# Components:

→ Cheeses

01 - 3.5 oz brie, cut into wedges
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, shaped into small rounds
03 - 3.5 oz manchego, sliced thinly

→ Cured Meats (omit for vegetarian)

04 - 2.8 oz prosciutto, folded
05 - 2.8 oz salami, rolled
06 - 2.1 oz coppa, fanned out

→ Fresh Fruits

07 - 1 cup strawberries, halved
08 - 1 cup raspberries
09 - 1 cup red grapes, halved
10 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Vegetables

11 - 8 to 10 mini sweet red peppers, sliced
12 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Accompaniments

13 - 1/2 cup pink beet hummus
14 - 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
15 - 1/2 cup candied pecans
16 - 1/2 cup dark chocolate–covered almonds
17 - 1/4 cup heart-shaped candies (optional)

→ Crackers & Bread

18 - 1 cup heart-shaped crackers or thinly sliced baguette

# Method:

01 - On a large platter or board, outline a heart shape using parchment paper or use a heart-shaped tray if available.
02 - Position small bowls of beet hummus and red pepper jelly in the upper curves of the heart shape.
03 - Distribute cheese wedges and rounds in several areas within the heart, spacing them evenly for visual appeal.
04 - Fold or roll prosciutto, salami, and coppa. Arrange them strategically to emphasize the heart outline and add texture.
05 - Sprinkle strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and pomegranate seeds to introduce vibrant red and pink hues.
06 - Fill remaining spaces with sliced mini sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes, and candied pecans to create balance.
07 - Place dark chocolate–covered almonds and optional heart-shaped candies to enhance the romantic theme.
08 - Arrange heart-shaped crackers or baguette slices along the edges or in small piles within the heart shape.
09 - Ensure all spaces are filled for a lush, abundant appearance and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when really it only takes 25 minutes—your secret's safe with me.
  • Every element is a choice, not a mandate, so you can build it exactly how you love it.
  • It's the kind of board that starts conversations and lingers long after the last bite.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than most people think—take cheeses out 15 minutes early so they're soft and forgiving, not cold and firm.
  • Wet ingredients (like tomatoes and grapes) will weep and stain lighter cheeses if placed directly against them, so use crackers or leafy greens as buffers.
  • The secret nobody tells you is that boards look best when they're about 80% full, not 100%—breathing room is beautiful.
03 -
  • Assemble everything except soft cheeses 2 hours early, then add those just before serving—it keeps them at their creamiest, most luxurious best.
  • Use odd numbers and asymmetrical placement—three clusters of grapes look more sophisticated than two, even though symmetry seems safer.
Return