Black and White Formal Affair (Printer View)

A visually striking platter with black olives, fresh mozzarella, seeds, and figs arranged in crisp geometric patterns.

# What you'll need:

→ 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 (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)

# Method:

01 - Cut the dark rye bread into squares, triangles, or rectangles to create a geometric foundation and arrange in alternating rows or patterns on a large platter.
02 - Place black olives and mozzarella balls in alternating lines or circles to establish a striking black-and-white contrast.
03 - Slice the large mozzarella ball and arrange slices in geometric shapes adjacent to the bread pieces.
04 - Sprinkle black sesame seeds over the white mozzarella and white sesame seeds over the rye bread for texture and visual enhancement.
05 - If using, halve the black mission figs and place them strategically to add contrast and subtle sweetness.
06 - Cluster or line peeled blanched almonds minimally to introduce additional white highlights.
07 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the cheese and bread, then lightly season with flaky sea salt and optionally cracked black pepper.
08 - Using a knife tip, dot vanilla bean seeds artistically atop mozzarella slices for an elegant aromatic note.
09 - Serve immediately to retain crispness or cover and refrigerate up to 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like you spent hours when it really takes twenty-five minutes, which is the best kind of kitchen magic.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled right before guests arrive, so you're actually relaxed when they show up.
  • The visual impact does half the talking for you—people are genuinely impressed before they even taste it.
02 -
  • Room temperature mozzarella slices like butter through the knife, but cold ones tear—let them sit out for ten minutes before slicing and you'll see the difference immediately.
  • The visual impact depends on genuine contrast, so commit to the black and white only—every addition of color will dilute the impact you're going for.
03 -
  • A really sharp knife is non-negotiable—dull blades tear mozzarella and crush bread, which ruins both the taste and the visual precision you're working toward.
  • Arrange everything on the platter in daylight if you can, because the colors and contrast read completely different under various lighting, and you want to catch any balance issues before guests arrive.
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