Crimson Gold Gala Appetizer (Print-Friendly)

A striking appetizer with cherries, wine-soaked cheese, roasted peppers, and gold leaf crackers.

# What You'll Need:

→ Deep Reds

01 - 1 cup fresh sweet cherries, pitted
02 - 4 oz wine-soaked cheese (e.g., Drunken Goat or Merlot BellaVitano), sliced
03 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
05 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Bright Golds

06 - 2 large yellow bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
07 - 4 oz aged cheddar or gouda, cubed
08 - 12–16 gold leaf–topped crackers or plain water crackers
09 - 1/4 cup golden raisins
10 - 1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Garnish & Extras

11 - Edible gold leaf sheets (optional, for crackers)
12 - Fresh basil or microgreens
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasted peppers)
14 - Freshly ground black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Place whole yellow bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes.
02 - Peel off skins, remove seeds, and slice peppers into strips. Drizzle slices with olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. Allow to cool.
03 - If using, carefully apply edible gold leaf to crackers according to package instructions.
04 - On a large serving board or platter, arrange cherries, wine-soaked cheese, dried cranberries, halved red grapes, and pomegranate seeds in a tight block on one side.
05 - Create a contrasting block on the opposite side featuring roasted yellow peppers, cubed aged cheese, gold leaf crackers, golden raisins, and halved yellow cherry tomatoes.
06 - Garnish with fresh basil or microgreens for color and freshness. Serve immediately, inviting guests to mix flavors and colors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours preparing it, but comes together in just 35 minutes—your secret is safe with me
  • The flavor contrast between tart cranberries and sweet roasted peppers keeps people reaching back for more
  • It's naturally vegetarian and impresses everyone, whether they're adventurous eaters or play it safe
  • The visual drama means you'll actually get compliments before anyone takes a bite
02 -
  • The peppers absolutely must be charred—don't be timid about it. That blackened skin is where the flavor lives
  • Don't arrange this platter more than an hour before serving. The longer it sits, the more the colors can bleed into each other and lose their impact
  • Pomegranate seeds can make everything else look stained if they're not added right before guests arrive. Keep them separate until the last moment
03 -
  • Buy your peppers slightly firm, not at peak ripeness—they roast more evenly and hold their shape better
  • If you can't find edible gold leaf, turmeric or saffron threads sprinkled over the crackers give nearly the same visual effect and actually add flavor
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