The Ultimate Party Platter Guide

The secret to this crowd-pleasing party platter is a brand new apple variety that naturally does not brown—in Canadian stores now.

The star of this platter (aside from the cheese!) is the hottest thing since sliced bread: a new apple variety—20 years in the making—that is naturally slow to brown: the Cosmic Crisp. That this flesh stays white even after slicing means this platter will look as good when you’re diving in as it did while you were slicing these exceptionally sweet, juicy and crispy apples.

Cosmic Crisps are crisp, juicy and sweet so they pair equally well with both tangy cheeses like pecorino, blue and goat as well as milder ones like gouda, cheddar and brie. And don’t forget the smoky ones—a pairing that will knock your Christmas stockings off!

The Cosmic Crisp was classically bred by the Washington State University tree fruit breeding program. Tree fruit breeders spent over 20 years cross-pollinating, tasting and testing, ensuring the Cosmic Crisp would be naturally developed into a delicious, non-GMO apple. These apples are orchard-grown in Washington state, near the Columbia River where days are warm and nights are cool. This climate permits the best apple growing region in the world. It was a long wait, but worth every minute!

They’re great for cooking and baking, due to their sweetness and crispy texture. Also, Cosmic Crisps are a cook’s best friend because you can slice and chop them before you start cooking and baking and they’ll be beautiful when it comes time to add them to your recipe.

Apples are also the perfect snack. Since apples are mostly made up of water, they have a low calorie density, meaning there aren’t a lot of calories in apples, yet they are still filling. They’re fat, sodium, and cholesterol free, and carbs in apples boost blood sugar less rapidly than other foods. Apples are best stored in your refrigerator’s crisper inside a plastic bag with holes in it. 

These crispy, juicy, sweet apples are available across Canada at most major retailers. If you don’t see them, just ask for directions to the Cosmic Crisp display. 

People say they “snap” when you bite into them—take a bite and you’ll see this variety was worth the wait! They’re a perfect snacking apple, and be sure to buy extra to make this elegant holiday party platter.

Easy as 123 Cosmic Cheese Platter

To start, pick a board that works for you. You can use a cutting board, wood board, serving tray, plate and/or a cookie sheet. Anything goes! Then mix and match, and you can add items to the platter periodically as your guests devour it. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions.

 

Cheese

Blue 

Cheddar

Goat with herbs or seeded topping

Smoked Gouda

Brie

Caraway seed

Gruyère

Any other of your favourite cheeses.

 

Fruits & Veggies

Sliced carrots, 

Sliced mini-cucumbers

Mini peppers, sliced in half vertically, seeds and rib removed

Dried figs

Medjool dates

Dried apricots

Fresh Cosmic Crisp apples

Cosmic Crisp Apple chips*

 

Charcuterie

Prosciutto

Bresaola 

Paté

Cooked mini-sausages

Salami

 

Nuts, Olives and Pickles

Roasted almonds 

Candied pecans

Olives

Shelled pistachios

Gherkins

Marinated vegetables 

 

Jams, Jellies, Dips 

Red Pepper Jelly

Roasted Garlic and Onion Jam

Fig jam

Hummus

Honey

Spinach & Artichoke Spread

 

* To make Cosmic Crisp apple chips, slice a Cosmic Crisp apple into thin slices (⅛ inch/3 mm). Arrange the apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dehydrate at 200 F (95 C) in the oven for 3 hours for chewier slices or 4 to 5 hours for crispier slices.

Like this recipe? Visit the Inspiration page at CosmicCrisp.com for recipes, holiday decor ideas and so much more.

 

Click for recipes and more!

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