Compass Rose with Four Meats (Printable)

Four distinct meats arranged in a compass shape with a creamy center dip, ideal for gatherings.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon
02 - 3.5 oz spicy chorizo, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
04 - 3.5 oz roast beef, thinly sliced

→ Central Dip

05 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tbsp sour cream
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes and Accompaniments

10 - ½ cup pickled vegetables (e.g., cornichons, pearl onions)
11 - ½ cup assorted olives
12 - Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill) for decoration
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# Method:

01 - Combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and place at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan the smoked salmon above the dip, pointing upward to the north position.
03 - Place the chorizo slices below the dip, pointing downward to the south position.
04 - Lay the prosciutto to the right of the dip, pointing east.
05 - Arrange the roast beef to the left of the dip, pointing west.
06 - Fill the spaces between the meat sections with pickled vegetables and assorted olives.
07 - Decorate with fresh herbs for color and aroma.
08 - Offer with crackers or sliced baguette on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Four different meats mean there's genuinely something for everyone without having to make separate dishes.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, most of it just arranging and mixing, so you're actually present when guests arrive.
  • That center dip is addictive—creamy, bright with lemon, and people end up eating it with everything on the platter.
02 -
  • Don't assemble this more than 2 hours before serving; the meats can dry out under the air and the dip can separate slightly if it sits too long at room temperature.
  • The cream cheese dip is your canvas—a tiny pinch of horseradish or a whisper of Dijon mustard transforms it into something guests will ask about, so taste thoughtfully as you season.
03 -
  • Slice all your meats about 30 minutes before you arrange them; they'll come to room temperature and become more flavorful and easier to arrange.
  • The secret weapon is a touch of good wine or sherry vinegar in your dip—just a small splash sharpens everything without anyone being able to identify where that brightness comes from.
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