Save It I discovered lavender-coated goat cheese at a market in Provence on a sweltering afternoon, and something about its delicate purple dust made me imagine an entire board built around that color. The vendor mentioned it pairs beautifully with ash-rinded brie, and I found myself sketching ideas on a napkin before I even left the stall. That evening, I arranged my first Lavender Haze board for friends, and the moment they walked in and gasped at the soft purples and greys, I knew I'd stumbled onto something special. It wasn't complicated—just thoughtful—but it felt like bringing a piece of that French market back home.
I made this for my sister's book club, and one of her friends—who always ordered the same salad everywhere—ended up having three pieces of the lavender goat cheese and couldn't stop talking about it. She asked for the recipe that night, and I realized the magic wasn't in complexity but in the permission to play with flavors that don't usually sit together. That was when I understood this board wasn't just food; it was a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- Lavender-coated goat cheese: The star of the show—creamy, tangy, and visually stunning, this brings the sophistication that inspired the whole board.
- Ash-rinded brie: Its soft grey exterior echoes the lavender's elegance while offering a buttery contrast that grounds the floral notes.
- Grapes (red or black, halved): They add bursts of sweetness and juice that cleanse the palate between bites of cheese.
- Fresh figs: Their honeyed interior and subtle earthiness bridge the gap between sweet and savory perfectly.
- Candied walnuts or pecans: The crunch and sweetness here prevent the board from feeling too delicate or one-note.
- Lavender honey: A drizzle amplifies the floral theme, but regular honey works if you want to let the goat cheese speak for itself.
- Edible flowers: Violets or pansies aren't just garnish—they're proof you cared about every detail.
- Fresh thyme: A whisper of herbaceous green that ties everything together visually and aromatically.
- Toasted baguette slices: Crusty, warm, and perfect for carrying cheese without stealing the spotlight.
- Charcoal or black sesame crackers: These create striking contrast against the pale cheeses and add an unexpected earthiness.
Instructions
- Set your stage:
- Arrange the lavender goat cheese rounds and ash-rinded brie wedges on a large board first, spacing them so each cheese has room to breathe and guests can see exactly what they're reaching for. Think about balance—not symmetrical, but intentional.
- Build with color:
- Create small clusters of grapes and figs around the cheeses, letting the jewel tones guide your eye naturally across the board. Scatter candied nuts in the gaps to add texture and warmth.
- Add the honey:
- Drizzle a little lavender honey directly over the goat cheese—not too much, just enough so people know it's there and meant to be part of the experience. Keep the rest nearby for those who want more.
- Finish with flourish:
- Scatter edible flowers and thyme sprigs across the board like you're painting, not decorating—let them pool around cheeses and fruit for maximum visual impact and aroma. Add toasted baguette and crackers just before serving so they stay crispy.
- Invite people in:
- Set it down and step back, then watch people build their own bites and discover their favorite combinations on the spot.
Save It I served this board at a dinner where I'd usually feel nervous about entertaining, and instead I felt calm. The colors did half the work, the flavors did the other half, and somehow people lingered longer over it than over dishes I'd spent three hours on. That taught me that food doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable—sometimes it just needs to be thoughtful.
The Lavender Promise
Lavender is polarizing; some people love it immediately, while others need time to trust it on a plate. The trick is letting it whisper rather than shout—the honey, the cheese, the flowers all work together so the lavender feels like part of the story, not the whole plot. When I started adding it to boards instead of soups or desserts, everything clicked. It belongs here, among soft creams and deep purples, creating a mood rather than a flavor assault.
Building Your Own Lavender Haze
The beauty of this board is that it's a template, not a rule book. Don't have lavender honey? Regular honey scattered across the goat cheese still works beautifully. Can't find edible flowers? Purple radishes or microgreens create the same visual language. The point is the conversation between colors and flavors—the soft elegance, the thoughtful pairing, the permission to make something feel luxurious without stress. Once you understand that, you can adapt freely.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Pour a chilled Provence rosé or a floral white wine like Gewürztraminer, and watch how the pairing elevates everything—the wines echo the lavender's sophistication while the acidity cuts through the cheese's richness. If your guests prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of elderflower cordial captures the same delicate, floral mood. The board is a performance piece and a practical one; it gives people permission to linger and graze at their own pace.
- For extra visual drama, tuck purple endive leaves or thinly sliced purple radishes into gaps on the board.
- Make sure everything is at room temperature or just cool—cold cheese loses nuance and charm.
- Set out small plates and forks so people can plate their own combinations and take their time savoring.
Save It This board taught me that sometimes elegance is about restraint and intention rather than effort. It's a reminder to cook with your eyes and your instincts, not just recipes.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What cheeses are featured in the Lavender Haze platter?
Lavender-coated goat cheese and ash-rinded brie are the key cheeses, offering soft textures and floral notes.
- → Can I substitute the grapes and figs with other fruits?
Yes, seasonal fruits like berries or sliced pears can work well as alternatives to complement the cheeses.
- → How does lavender honey enhance the flavors?
Lavender honey adds a subtle floral sweetness that balances the creaminess of the cheeses and the tartness of the fruits.
- → Are there gluten-free options for serving this platter?
Gluten-free crackers or toasted gluten-free bread can be used instead of traditional baguette slices for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What garnishes are recommended for visual appeal?
Edible flowers like violets or pansies, along with fresh thyme sprigs, provide vibrant color and aromatic freshness.
- → How should I arrange the platter for best presentation?
Arrange cheeses spaced apart, cluster the fruits nearby, scatter candied nuts, drizzle honey, and finish with garnishes for an inviting look.