Ultimate Summer Fruit & Cheese Board

Directions

• Step 1

  Combine olives, 1 tablespoon oil, basil and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl; toss to coat. Transfer to a small serving bowl.

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• Step 2

  Combine 4 tablespoons parsley and chives (or tarragon or chervil) on a small plate. Add goat cheese and roll to coat in the herb mixture.

• Step 3

  Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill sausage, turning once, until lightly browned and heated through, 6 to 7 minutes. Let rest for 3 minutes, then cut into bite-size pieces. Brush the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over both sides of baguette slices. Grill, turning once, just until crisped, 1 to 2 minutes.

• Step 4

  To assemble the cheese board: Arrange berries, peaches (or nectarines or plums), zucchini, carrots and cherry tomatoes in the center of the board. (If your guests will access the board from all sides, place fruit and vegetables in the center. If the board will be against a wall, place the fruit and vegetables toward the back of the board.) Arrange the cheeses around the fruit and vegetables. Arrange the sausage, grilled bread and crackers among the cheeses. Set the bowl of olives on the board. Fill in the gaps with nuts. Sprinkle with mint (or parsley) and garnish with edible flowers, if desired. Don't forget toothpicks for the sausage, and include cheese knives and a bowl for the olive pits.