Stormy Sea appetizer delights (Print Version)

Wavy charcoal crackers topped with smooth goat cheese create a sea-inspired appetizer.

# Components:

→ Crackers

01 - 18–24 charcoal or squid ink wavy-shaped crackers

→ Cheese

02 - 5.3 oz fresh goat cheese (chèvre), softened
03 - 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)

→ Garnish (optional)

04 - Fresh dill fronds or edible flowers

# Method:

01 - Place the wavy grey crackers in overlapping rows on a dark blue slate or serving platter, imitating the movement of ocean waves.
02 - Whip the goat cheese with heavy cream (if using) in a small bowl until smooth and easily spreadable.
03 - Using two teaspoons or a piping bag, place small mounds of the whipped goat cheese onto the crackers to resemble whitecaps.
04 - Top each cheese mound with a sprig of fresh dill or a small edible flower if desired.
05 - Present immediately to maintain texture and appearance.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes 15 minutes but looks like you spent all afternoon plating.
  • Only three components—crackers, cheese, cream—so there's nowhere to hide, and that's exactly why it works.
  • The contrast of textures and that slate backdrop makes people linger before they taste it.
02 -
  • Softening the cheese first is everything—cold goat cheese won't spread evenly and will crack your crackers.
  • The slate isn't just styling; dark blue genuinely makes the grey crackers and white cheese pop in a way a white plate never will.
03 -
  • Whip the cheese for a full minute—this aerates it and makes it easier to pipe or dollop with clean definition.
  • Keep your slate or platter chilled if possible; cold surfaces help the cheese stay firm longer and keep crackers crisp.
Return