The holidays are here and entertaining is in full swing. If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to easily feed a crowd these simple and beautiful boards are sure to please.
Holiday Wreath Charcuterie Board
Ingredients:
Fig Jelly
Honey
Variety of Cheeses
Salami or meat of choice
Olives (provide a variety)
Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios and any favorite nut
Grapes, berries, persimmon
Crackers
Directions: Place the jars of sauces and olives on the board first. Next place the cheeses on opposing sides. Add meats and fruits next. Layer in crackers, nuts and seeds and fill in any spots with extra nuts. Use fresh Rosemary or fresh greenery to add wreath accent in the center of the charcuterie board. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
The Pastry Board
Ingredients:
Donuts
Cinnamon Rolls
French Beignets
Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Directors: Layer board with larger pastries first and layer in with smaller pastry next. Garnish board with holiday sprigs or fresh herbs.
Sweet Treat Cocoa Board
Ingredients:
A variety of fresh berries or desired fruit
Marshmallows
Hot Cocoa Mix
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
Chocolate Covered Biscotti
Hot Cocoa Bomb
Holiday Cookie Cutter
Directions: Place your favorite holiday cookie cutter on the board first. Fill the cookie cutter with mini marshmallows. Next, layer the large items first. Begin with the chocolate covered Biscotti and build around that using berries. Pile the berries high. Next add a variety of chocolate covered treats on opposite sides of each other between the mounds of berries. Be sure to add touches of berries around the edges. If space allows, place hot cocoa on board. Otherwise, set bowl full of hot cocoa mix and any additional hot cocoa fixings adjacent to the board.
The Veggie Crudite Board
Ingredients:
Cucumbers (cut in long slices)
Celery
Red Peppers
Tomatoes
Cauliflower
Sugar Snap Peas
A Variety of Veggie Dips
Directions: Place three different types of veggie dips on board. Build around the dips by placing your cucumbers and celery in multiple layers as the base. Add red bell peppers and tomatoes around board to add pops of color. Finish by layering cauliflower and sugar snap peas and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
The Peanut Butter Nutella Smear Board
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter
Nutella
Mini Chocolate Chips or Peanut Butter Chips
Caramel Sauce
Apple Slices
Graham Crackers
Parchment Paper
Directions: Place a piece of parchment paper on top of your board. Using a spatula, smear peanut butter on one side of board using short, repetitive strokes. Do the same on the opposite side of the board using Nutella. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter and nutella. Drizzle caramel on top. Serve with sliced apples and graham crackers.
Tips for creating the perfect board:
- Start with the larger items first and build around those. If you are using jars on the board, place those first.
- Be sure to have enough to fill the space. it is best to overfill so that the board doesn't look sparse. Stack, stack and stack some more.
- Use a variety of colors and textures when choosing the foods you want to use. Pick cheese with color and patterns, fruits and veggies that come in a a variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement.
- Be sure to place similar colors in away from each other to help give symmetry.
