Black and White Formal Affair (Printable)

An elegant black and white platter with olives, mozzarella, figs, and almonds arranged in crisp patterns.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 (large ball, sliced)
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)

# How-to:

01 - Cut dark rye bread slices into geometric shapes such as squares, triangles, or rectangles and arrange them in alternating patterns on a large platter.
02 - Place black olives and mozzarella balls alternately in lines or circles to create a striking black-and-white visual contrast.
03 - Slice the large mozzarella ball and position the slices alongside the rye bread in geometric patterns.
04 - Sprinkle black sesame seeds over white mozzarella and white sesame seeds over rye bread for added texture and visual interest.
05 - If desired, halve black mission figs and place them strategically to introduce sweetness and visual contrast.
06 - Arrange peeled blanched almonds in minimalist clusters or lines to provide additional white accents.
07 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over cheese and bread, then season lightly with flaky sea salt and optionally freshly cracked black pepper.
08 - Using a knife tip, gently scrape vanilla seeds from the pod and dot them artistically atop mozzarella slices for an elegant aromatic layer.
09 - Serve immediately to preserve crispness or cover and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen when it really only takes 25 minutes—instant showstopper energy
  • No cooking required means you can prep this while guests are already arriving without breaking a sweat
  • The combination of creamy, salty, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors keeps everyone reaching for just one more piece
02 -
  • The mozzarella must be ice cold when you slice it—let it sit in the coldest part of your fridge until the last moment. Warm mozzarella crumbles instead of slicing cleanly.
  • Drain your fresh mozzarella balls thoroughly before placing them on the platter. Any excess liquid will pool and ruin the visual presentation that's the whole point of this dish.
  • Arrange this platter no more than an hour before serving, or the bread will start absorbing moisture from the cheese and lose its crisp structural integrity.
03 -
  • Invest in a really sharp knife for the bread and mozzarella. A dull blade tears instead of slices, and torn edges destroy the geometric precision you're working toward.
  • Do a final platter check in different lighting before guests see it. What looks balanced in your kitchen might need adjusting under the warm glow of your dining room.
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