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Holiday Entertaining Boards

The perfect appetizers, simple and beautiful boards are sure to please

Article by Angela Broockerd

Photography by Janie Janes

Originally published in Meridian Lifestyle

The holiday season has arrived, and the air is filled with the joy of celebration and merriment. With gatherings of family and friends becoming more frequent, there's a growing need for delightful and convenient appetizers that can effortlessly satisfy a crowd's cravings. If you're on the hunt for an appetizer that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also serves as a captivating centerpiece, look no further. Holiday charcuterie boards are your secret weapon for turning any gathering into a memorable occasion. These boards are a culinary work of art, masterfully combining flavors and textures, all presented in a visually stunning and tempting arrangement. Get ready to elevate your entertaining game and infuse a touch of festive magic into your gatherings with these delicious and visually captivating creations.

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 pastries 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 variety of textures and colors and a protein that can make a statement. 

  • Be sure to place similar colors away from each other to help give symmetry.