Black White Formal Affair (Print)

A striking black and white platter showcasing olives, mozzarella, and almonds in crisp patterns for sophisticated occasions.

# Components:

→ 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 for sweetness)

→ White Elements

05 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
06 - 8 thin slices fresh mozzarella (from a large ball)
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)

# Directions:

01 - Cut the dark rye bread slices into squares, triangles, or rectangles using a sharp knife to create a geometric base; arrange them in alternating rows or patterns on a large platter.
02 - Place black olives and fresh mozzarella balls in alternating lines or circles, ensuring a crisp visual black-and-white contrast.
03 - Slice the large mozzarella ball thinly and arrange the slices in geometric shapes alongside the rye bread pieces.
04 - Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the white mozzarella and white sesame seeds over the rye bread to enhance texture and visual appeal.
05 - If using, halve the black mission figs and place them strategically to provide contrast and a touch of sweetness.
06 - Place blanched almonds in minimalist clusters or lines as additional white accents within the arrangement.
07 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the 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 the mozzarella slices for an elegant aromatic touch.
09 - Serve immediately to maintain crispness, or cover and refrigerate for up to one hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely stunning with minimal effort—no cooking required, just intentional arrangement that feels like gallery curation
  • Every ingredient is a textural surprise: creamy mozzarella, briny olives, nutty sesame seeds, and crisp bread that stays perfect for hours
  • It's the kind of platter that makes you look effortlessly sophisticated, even if you threw it together in twenty minutes
  • Vegetarian and works beautifully for guests with various dietary needs when you swap in gluten-free bread
02 -
  • The quality of your mozzarella will make or break this platter—seek out fresh mozzarella from a dedicated cheese counter, never the pre-packaged stuff. This is where your money should go.
  • Bread texture matters enormously. If your rye bread is too soft or too dry, cut it just before assembling. Dry bread becomes stale quickly, soft bread gets soggy. You want that crisp-on-the-outside, slightly dense interior that dark rye offers.
  • Don't assemble this more than two hours before serving unless you're okay with some elements losing their textural integrity. The olive oil will start to be absorbed, the bread will soften slightly, and the salt will dissolve into the cheese moisture.
03 -
  • Toast your rye bread lightly if it's starting to feel soft—just thirty seconds under the broiler to crisp the edges without burning. This changes everything about how it holds up on the platter.
  • Keep everything cold until the moment of serving. Run your platter under cool water and dry it completely before arranging; this keeps your mozzarella from sweating and losing its texture.
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