Elegant Cheese and Fruit Platter

 

1

block (8 oz) white Cheddar cheese

1

wedge (8 oz) blue cheese (such as Stilton or Gorgonzola)

1

round (8 oz) Brie cheese

1

large crisp red eating apple, sliced

1

medium pear, sliced

1

pint (2 cups) strawberries, halved

3/4

lb seedless green grapes, cut into small clusters

3/4

lb seedless red grapes, cut into small clusters

1

package (7 oz) dried apricots

1/4

cup dried cherries or sweetened dried cranberries

Fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired

• 1 On large serving platter, arrange cheeses in center. Cover; let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes.
• 2 Arrange fresh fruit in groups around cheeses. Sprinkle dried apricots and cherries over cheeses and fruit. Tuck rosemary sprigs among fruit.
• 3 To serve, provide cheese planes for harder cheeses and cheese spreaders for soft cheeses. If desired, serve cheeses and fruit with crackers.