The Art of the Board

November 09, 2023

We love putting together a giant holiday board full of goodies that get us through the day until the big meal is served! We'll often add a homemade soup (hello, butternut squash!) and salad to round out a mid-day nibble. Follow these steps for a well-rounded board experience--but, creativity is the name of the game, so don't be afraid to add your faves!

Shopping List:

• A variety of cheeses: soft, semi-firm, and hard cheeses, as well as cow, sheep, and goat cheeses
• Cured meats: salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, chorizo, etc.
• Nuts: Marcona almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts 
• Fruit: grapes, apples, pears, pomegranate, and citrus
• Crackers and bread: assorted crackers, toast points, bread sticks and cheese crisps
• Condiments: olives, pickled okra, honey, jams and preserves, and mustards

How To:

1. Choose a serving board. A wooden board, slate platter, or large cutting board are all good options.
2. Arrange the cheese. Place the cheese in a variety of shapes and sizes around the board. You can create a triangle, a circle, or just arrange them randomly.
3. Add the meats. Wrap or fold the cured meats and place them around the cheese.
4. Add the nuts and fruit. Place the nuts and fruit in small bowls or clusters around the board.
5. Add the crackers and bread. Spread the crackers and bread slices around the board. You can use a decorative cup for bread sticks to lend some height.
6. Add Condiments. Add olives, pickles, honey, jams, and mustards in small bowls around the board.
7. Garnish and serve. Garnish the board with fresh herbs, edible flowers, or other festive decorations. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for building a holiday charcuterie board:

• Choose a variety of flavors and textures. You want to have a good mix of sweet, salty, savory, and crunchy foods on your board.
• Consider your audience. If you are serving children, be sure to include some familiar and kid-friendly foods.
• Don't be afraid to get creative. There are no rules when it comes to charcuterie boards. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and combinations.
• Make it festive. Add some holiday decorations to your board to make it extra special.

With a little planning, you can easily create a delicious and impressive holiday charcuterie board that your guests will love.

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