Whimsical Picket Fence Platter (Printable Version)

A colorful platter featuring crackers, mixed nuts, and fresh berries arranged for easy sharing.

# What You Need:

→ Crackers (The Fence)

01 - 20–24 rectangular or oval whole wheat crackers (such as Melba toasts or water crackers)

→ Garden Mix

02 - ½ cup raw almonds
03 - ½ cup walnut halves
04 - ½ cup shelled pistachios
05 - ½ cup dried cranberries
06 - ½ cup fresh blueberries
07 - ½ cup fresh raspberries
08 - ¼ cup chopped dried apricots

→ Optional Garnishes

09 - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for drizzling)
10 - Fresh mint leaves

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Select a large, flat serving platter or board for assembly.
02 - Arrange crackers upright and side by side around the platter’s edge, forming a continuous picket fence. Angle inward slightly for stability if needed.
03 - In a medium bowl, gently mix almonds, walnut halves, pistachios, dried cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and chopped dried apricots.
04 - Spoon the nut and berry blend into the center of the cracker fence, keeping it loose and abundant.
05 - Lightly drizzle honey or agave syrup over the center mixture, if desired.
06 - Garnish with fresh mint leaves to introduce color and aroma.
07 - Serve promptly and suggest guests scoop from the center using crackers as dippers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks fancy enough to impress guests but takes just ten minutes to assemble—no cooking required.
  • Everyone gets to graze exactly what they want, turning a simple snack into an interactive experience.
  • The cracker fence idea makes people smile before they even taste anything.
02 -
  • Add any wet or juicy garnish (honey, drizzle) at the last possible moment, or your crackers will lose their satisfying crunch within minutes.
  • The beauty of this platter is flexibility—swap out nuts and berries based on what you have or what's in season, and it'll still look and taste intentional.
03 -
  • Chill your berries for an hour before assembly so they stay fresh and firm throughout the gathering.
  • Arrange heavier items (larger nuts, dried fruit chunks) lower in the center pile so they don't roll away as guests eat—it's the kind of small detail that keeps everything looking composed.
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