Autumn Harvest Horn Plenty (Print Version)

A festive centerpiece featuring dried fruits, nuts, and cheeses arranged in an autumnal horn shape.

# Components:

→ Fruit & Nuts

01 - 1 cup dried apricots
02 - 1 cup dried figs
03 - 1 cup dried cranberries
04 - 1 cup dried apple rings
05 - 1 cup seedless grapes (optional)
06 - 1 cup walnuts
07 - 1 cup pecans
08 - 1 cup almonds

→ Cheeses

09 - 6 oz aged cheddar, cubed
10 - 6 oz creamy goat cheese, sliced into rounds or logs
11 - 6 oz rustic blue cheese, crumbled
12 - 6 oz aged gouda or similar hard cheese, cubed

→ Crackers & Bread

13 - 2 cups rustic crackers or gluten-free crackers
14 - 1 small baguette, sliced

→ Garnishes

15 - Fresh rosemary sprigs
16 - Fresh thyme sprigs
17 - Edible flowers or seasonal leaves (optional)

→ Cornucopia Base

18 - 1 large wicker cornucopia basket or homemade edible bread horn (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place the cornucopia basket or bread horn on a large serving platter or board.
02 - Position the assorted cheeses inside the horn's opening, allowing some pieces to spill outward to create an abundant display.
03 - Layer dried fruits and nuts around and spilling out of the horn, alternating colors and textures for visual balance.
04 - Nestle crackers and sliced baguette along the sides or within the mixture to add substance and variety.
05 - Decorate with fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and optional edible flowers or seasonal leaves for a festive appearance.
06 - Offer at room temperature, inviting guests to help themselves to preferred combinations.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that sits on your table like a work of art, yet everyone gets to eat it
  • No cooking required—just thoughtful arranging, which means you can prepare it hours ahead and stay calm before guests arrive
  • The mix of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures means there's something for every palate at your table
  • It naturally accommodates dietary preferences; swap cheeses and crackers to fit your guests' needs
02 -
  • Buy your dried fruits and cheeses 2–3 days ahead and store them properly—this takes pressure off your day and ensures everything is at its best
  • If you're making an edible bread horn, test your technique at least once before the big gathering; it's easier than you think, but familiarity makes it foolproof
  • The cheese you choose matters more than the exact quantities; pick cheeses you'd actually want to eat, not ones that sound fancy but taste boring
  • Arrange your board an hour or two before serving—it looks fresh, but you're not rushed at the last moment
03 -
  • Buy pre-cut or pre-crumbled cheese if you're short on time; it's not cheating, and your guests care about the final result, not your prep method
  • Toast your nuts for 10 minutes at 350°F if you want them to taste richer and crunchier; it takes almost no time and transforms everything
  • If you're nervous about the cornucopia look, remember this: abundance is forgiving. More is more here, and there's no such thing as too full
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