# Components:
→ Crackers
01 - 12 rectangular or square seeded crackers (approx. 2 x 4 inches), sturdy type such as rye crispbread or whole-grain flatbread
→ Cheeses
02 - 6 ounces aged sharp cheddar, cut into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes
03 - 6 ounces creamy Havarti, cut into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes
→ Cured Meats
04 - 6 ounces thinly sliced Genoa salami
05 - 6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
→ Garnishes
06 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
07 - 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
08 - 12 small fresh basil leaves
# Directions:
01 - Wash hands thoroughly and sanitize all surfaces and tools. Arrange crackers, cheeses, meats, and garnishes on separate plates for easy access to streamline assembly and prevent contamination.
02 - Using a sharp chef’s knife and ruler, slice cheddar and Havarti into precise 1-inch cubes. Ensure sharp edges and smooth surfaces to maintain stack stability. Wipe blade between cuts if cheese sticks.
03 - Place one slice of Genoa salami on a clean board, fold lengthwise in half, then fold again to create loose “ribbons.” Repeat with prosciutto slices, handling minimally to prevent tearing, creating airy layers for visual height.
04 - Place one unbroken cracker flat on a large serving platter. Press gently to test stability, discarding any cracked crackers to ensure upright stacks.
05 - Position one cheddar cube at the left end of the cracker, then a Havarti cube beside it. Place folded salami upright atop cheddar, and folded prosciutto atop Havarti. Alternate cubes and meats along the cracker length, with 2–4 cheese cubes and 2–4 folded meats per stack. Press additions gently for vertical stability.
06 - Insert a 6-inch cocktail pick through the center of each stack, passing through cheese and meats into the cracker to maintain structure and ease serving. Adjust stacks if leaning occurs.
07 - Continue assembling all stacks until ingredients are fully used. Vary the order and height of cheese and meat layers between stacks to create an irregular urban skyline effect.
08 - Sprinkle chopped chives and black sesame seeds over the tops and between stacks for color contrast. Tuck a small basil leaf beside each skewer for aromatic freshness. Present stacks on a large platter with clean lines and upright architectural appearance.
09 - Serve within 60 minutes to preserve cracker crispness and cheese freshness. For transport, loosely cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate up to 2 hours, and add basil leaves just before serving.
