Obsidian Peak Cheese Platter (Print View)

A bold centerpiece featuring black wax cheddar, rye crackers, and charcoal-dusted almonds for dramatic visuals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 14 oz black wax-coated aged cheddar block or wedge, whole and uncut

→ Accompaniments

02 - 5.3 oz dark rye crackers
03 - 3.5 oz whole almonds
04 - 1 tbsp food-grade activated charcoal powder
05 - 1 tsp flaky sea salt (optional)

→ Garnish

06 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
07 - Edible black flowers such as viola or pansy (optional)

# Method:

01 - Remove the black wax-coated cheddar from refrigeration and let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance its flavor and texture.
02 - Place whole almonds in a small bowl, sprinkle with food-grade activated charcoal powder, and toss until evenly coated. Optionally, add flaky sea salt and mix gently.
03 - Position the whole block or wedge of black wax cheddar upright in the center of a large, flat serving platter to create a mountain peak effect.
04 - Form a circular base around the cheese using dark rye crackers, evenly spaced to resemble the mountain’s foot.
05 - Scatter the coated almonds around and between the crackers to fill gaps and provide visual contrast.
06 - Decorate the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and optional edible black flowers to create a dramatic finishing touch.
07 - Present immediately, allowing guests to slice cheese from the peak and enjoy with crackers and almonds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The visual impact does half the work before anyone even tastes it—guests will stop and stare before reaching for a cracker.
  • Black wax aged cheddar has a sharp, complex flavor that transforms the entire platter into something more sophisticated than standard cheese boards.
  • Charcoal-dusted almonds add an unexpected earthy crunch that keeps people coming back for more.
02 -
  • Activated charcoal is only visual—it tastes like almost nothing, so the almonds themselves have to be good; don't cheap out on this ingredient.
  • If your cheese sits in the refrigerator too long after arrangement, it hardens and becomes less approachable for slicing; serve within an hour of assembly.
  • The dark rye crackers will soften slightly if exposed to humidity, so if your kitchen is warm, consider arranging them just before guests arrive.
03 -
  • Slice the cheese with a warm, slightly damp knife—it prevents the wax from cracking and the cheese from crumbling into disappointingly uneven pieces.
  • If you want the almonds extra dramatic, toss them in the charcoal powder just before guests arrive rather than hours ahead, so the coating stays bold and doesn't fade or blend into the almond skin.
Go Back