Santa Barbara-Inspired Cheese Board Recipe

Here is my Santa Barbara-based cheese board, crafted with local products perfect for entertaining. It’s a beautiful and easy-to-assemble spread featuring fresh produce from the Farmers Market, cheeses from Lazy Acres, and crunchy walnuts from Old Dog Ranch.

This board is not only delicious but also a delightful way to showcase the best of what Santa Barbara has to offer.

Santa Barbara Cheese Board

Ingredients:

• Fresh Produce:
  • Carrots (from the Farmers Market), sliced
  • Sliced cucumber (from the Farmers Market)
  • Olives (from the Farmers Market)
• Cheeses:
  • Brie (from Lazy Acres)
  • Pecorino (from Lazy Acres)
  • Cheddar (from Lazy Acres)
• Homemade Additions:
  • Homemade hummus (recipe below)
  • Homemade crispy chickpeas (recipe below)
• Crunchy Elements:
  • Old Dog Ranch Golden Herb Organic California Walnuts
  • Olive Oil & Sel Gris Organic Sourdough Flatbread Crackers

Assembly Instructions:

1. Cheeses:
   • Arrange the Brie, Pecorino, and Cheddar in different sections of your board. Slice the Pecorino and Cheddar into small wedges for easy grabbing, and leave the Brie whole with a small knife for spreading.
2. Produce:
   • Lay out the sliced carrots and cucumbers in neat rows or fan them out for a visually appealing presentation. Place the olives in a small bowl or scatter them around the board for added color and texture.
3. Homemade Hummus:
   • Place the hummus in a small bowl, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with a bit of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs for garnish. Position the bowl on the board near the fresh vegetables.
4. Homemade Crispy Chickpeas:
   • Scatter the crispy chickpeas around the board, focusing on filling any gaps between the cheeses and veggies.
5. Crunchy Elements:
   • Add clusters of Old Dog Ranch Golden Herb Organic California Walnuts around the board for a nutty flavor contrast.
   • Arrange the Olive Oil & Sel Gris Organic Sourdough Flatbread Crackers in a stack or standing upright in a line along one edge of the board.
6. Final Touches:
   • Garnish the board with a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra pop of color and aroma.

Homemade Hummus Recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 can (15 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
   • 1/3 cup tahini
   • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
   • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (to taste)
   • 1 clove garlic, minced
   • 5-6 tablespoons water (more if needed)
   • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2. Instructions:
   • In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt.
   • Process until smooth, adding water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as needed.
   • Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top.

Homemade Crispy Chickpeas Recipe:

1. Ingredients:
   • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
   • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
   • Sea salt, to taste
   • Optional: spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder
2. Instructions:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil and sea salt, then spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Roast for 20-30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy.
   • Remove from the oven and toss with your favorite spices while still warm.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair your cheese board with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé. I love Brander Vineyards rose or the 2022 Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc from Grassini Family Vineyards
• For added indulgence, include a small bowl of honey or fig jam to complement the Brie and Pecorino.

Enjoy your Santa Barbara-inspired cheese board, perfect for a gathering or a relaxing evening at home!

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