Fossil Record Soft Cheese Herbs

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 9 oz soft cheese (goat cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta)

→ Herbs & Imprints

02 - 1 small bunch fresh herbs (parsley, dill, cilantro, chervil, or mixed)

03 - 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)

→ Nuts

04 - 3.5 oz assorted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts), preferably in shell

05 - 1/2 tsp sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Line a small tray or plate with parchment paper for easy removal.

02 - Spread soft cheese about 3/4 inch thick into a rough oval or round shape on the tray, smoothing the top with a spatula.

03 - Press fresh herb sprigs, leaves, or fronds gently into the cheese surface to create fossil-like imprints, then carefully lift away the herbs.

04 - Lightly brush the cheese surface with olive oil for added sheen, if desired.

05 - Scatter cracked nuts and shell fragments artistically around the cheese to mimic an archaeological display.

06 - Sprinkle sea salt over the nuts and cheese surface if using.

07 - Serve immediately with crackers or fresh bread, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -

It comes together in minutes but looks like you spent hours planning something museum-worthy.
Every bite is a conversation starter, especially when guests realize they're eating art.
Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, so it works for almost any gathering without fuss.

02 -

Cold cheese will tear and frustrate you—always let it sit out for 10 minutes first, or your beautiful imprints become rough smudges.
Press the herbs in and count to three before lifting; too quick and the impression stays shallow, too long and the herb wilts into the cheese.
The nut shells aren't decoration—crack them fresh and arrange them so people understand this is meant to feel like you're uncovering something, not just arranging food.

03 -