Pin Recipe I discovered the magic of an all-white spread one summer evening when a friend brought champagne to dinner and I found myself rifling through the fridge with barely an hour to spare. What started as panic—nothing felt fancy enough for the moment—became this ethereal board I couldn't stop thinking about. The simplicity of it, the way cream and white peaches and crisp meringue played off each other without any fussy colors competing, felt like I'd stumbled onto something almost sacred. Now whenever I need to feel elegant without the stress, this is what I reach for.
The first time I made this for a small gathering, I was so worried about the edible silver leaf application that I held my tweezers with shaking hands over a piece of meringue. My friend laughed and told me silver leaf is practically indestructible, which somehow made the whole experience feel less precious and more playful. By the end of the evening, everyone was talking about the board, not because it was complicated, but because it tasted like what celebration looks like.
Ingredients
- Brie cheese (250g): This is your foundation, the creamy anchor that everything else plays against—keep it chilled right until serving so it stays silky without turning into a puddle.
- White peaches (3 ripe ones, thinly sliced): They're the sweetness and juiciness here, and the thinness matters because it lets them fan beautifully and stay tender rather than sliding into mush.
- Meringue kisses or nests (12 small): These bring the crackle and lightness that makes the whole board feel airy; store-bought ones save you time and honestly taste just as good as fussy homemade versions.
- Edible silver leaf: A whisper of elegance that catches the light and feels magical without being overpowering.
- White grapes and blanched almonds (optional): These fill gaps and add gentle textural variety, though the board is stunning without them.
Instructions
- Make or gather your meringue:
- If you're making from scratch, preheat your oven to 90°C (200°F) and beat egg whites with superfine sugar and cream of tartar until they form stiff, glossy peaks—you want them to look almost cloud-like. Pipe or spoon small mounds onto a lined baking tray and let them bake low and slow for a full hour until they're pale, crisp, and completely cooled.
- Arrange the brie as your centerpiece:
- Place it right in the middle or slightly off-center on your board—this gives you the visual anchor everything else radiates from.
- Fan the peach slices:
- Slice them thin and arrange them in overlapping waves around the brie, letting them catch a bit of light; they should look almost translucent and precious.
- Cluster the meringues:
- Place your meringue pieces in small groups around the board rather than scattering them randomly—this creates visual rhythm and makes it easier for guests to grab them.
- Tuck in the optional touches:
- Add white grapes and almonds in small pockets if you want them; they're lovely but not essential.
- Apply the silver leaf with intention:
- Use tweezers to pick up each delicate piece and press it gently onto select meringues and a few peach slices—this doesn't need to be perfectly even, just thoughtfully placed.
- Serve immediately:
- Bring it to the table while everything is still at its best and let people discover their own flavor combinations.
Pin Recipe I served this board at a quiet dinner party where everyone was a little tired, and watching people's faces light up when they saw it changed the whole energy of the evening. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest gestures—a beautiful thing made with care—matter more than we think.
The Meringue Question
Homemade meringue takes time but gives you complete control over the size and color, and there's something satisfying about watching them come together. That said, high-quality store-bought meringues are a total lifesaver and honestly taste almost identical once everything is assembled together. I keep a box in my freezer for moments when I want the impact of this board without the oven time.
Pairing and Presentation
This board sings alongside something cold and bubbly—Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti are my go-to choices because they echo the board's sense of lightness and celebration. The temperature contrast between the chilled cheese and fruit and the crisp meringue creates this perfect little moment on the palate.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of a color-coordinated board like this is how open it is to your own touch—everything here can pivot based on what looks good at the market or what you have on hand. I've added white chocolate shavings, a drizzle of white truffle honey, or even a few white edible flowers when I wanted to surprise people. The rules are simple: keep it white, keep it elegant, and trust that simplicity is its own kind of luxury.
- If you can't find white peaches, pale yellow ones still work beautifully and taste just as good.
- White grapes, pear slices, or even thin rounds of fennel can stand in for peaches in a pinch.
- Assemble the board no more than 30 minutes before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the peaches from browning.
Pin Recipe This board has become my answer to so many moments—unexpected guests, a quiet celebration, something beautiful that doesn't demand anything complicated from me. It reminds me every time that elegance and ease don't have to be enemies.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought meringue for this board?
Yes, high-quality store-bought meringue kisses work well and save preparation time without compromising flavor or texture.
- → How should I prepare the brie for the best texture?
Chill the brie slightly before serving to ensure a firm texture that slices nicely and complements the soft peaches and meringue.
- → What is the role of the edible silver leaf?
Edible silver leaf adds a delicate, shimmering decorative accent for a luxurious and festive presentation.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for this board?
Yes, substitute plant-based brie and aquafaba-based vegan meringues to suit vegan diets while maintaining texture and flavor.
- → What pairings complement this cheese board?
Light white wines like Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti enhance the flavors and add a celebratory spirit to the board.