4 to 5 blocks (rectangle or square in shape )firm white cheeses such as cheddar, jack or havarti
1 to 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 to 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 to 2 interesting shaped cheeses such as logs trapezoids or wedges ( these can be softer cheeses )
2 to 3 types dark - colored crackers (gluten-free if desired )
Sliced baguette and or squares of pumpernickel bread for serving
1 bunch black seedless grapes
pea crisps, pistachios, and or blue corn chips for graveyard dirt
pickled onions, dark olives, and fig or balsamic jam
Have a large cutting board standing by.
Cut the firm blocks of cheese into various headstone shapes, making sure to leave the base wide and flat enough that it will stand up.
Cut a coffin shape if desired. save any trimmings to create smaller broken headstones or graveyard rubble. Use a toothpick or skewer to carve names, dates, and or symbols into the headstone and coffin.
To darken your carvings cover with poppy seeds and gently press them into the carving. Over a small plate brush off any excess poppy seeds leaving them only in the carved areas.
To darken with the balsamic use a small pastry brush to paint inside the carved area. this will cause an eerie dripping effect when the headstone is standing.
Arrange the headstones on the serving board spacing them out to create the feeling of a wandering path in between. Add additional cheeses as monuments.
Fill in your graveyard with the crackers, baguette, grapes, and pea crisps. Add small dishes of pickled onions, olives, and jam.
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