Photo Retrieved from @grazingjoy / Instagram
As we approach the thick of spring, here are some tips and suggestions on how to make quintessential, show-stopping grazing boards.
There isn’t one big secret to an excellent grazing board. However, a few elements are sure to be found in any board worth noting.
Lactose intolerance and plant-based diet preferences notwithstanding, the four cornerstones of a grazing board are meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. Often accompanied by various carbohydrate dipping vehicles and delicious sauces, these are the staples you can come to expect in any average board.
Balance is key, both nutritionally and spatially. Additionally, a board appealing to the eye is almost as important as its appeal to the taste.
For a visually appealing board, color is imperative. Colorful grazing boards conveniently obey the adage “Eat the rainbow”. With depth, breadth and variety in nutrients, they look gorgeous. In the spirit of spring, consider highlighting produce particular to spring like pineapples, mangoes, grapefruits or apricots.
It’s difficult not to wind up with a colorful board naturally. Still, dying certain items can also help to enhance the visual appeal and vibrance of the board. If you’re itching to be more intentional about the vibrance reflected in your board without dyes, consider adding dried fruits or edible flowers as garnish.
The first thing many think of when they think of spring is flowers. If you’re looking to pay particular homage to the season, consider incorporating florals in some form or fashion. Whether by designing the various food items to resemble a rose, arranging the contents to evoke a bouquet or adding some literal flowers to the board as a decorative garnish, take advantage of the floral emblem.
If the creative arrangements or adornments don’t come naturally, there are endless resources you can refer to. You can try tutorials, videos or articles, which will make you an expert in no time.
One differentiating factor among grazing boards is the jams, jellies and sauces included.
If you’re looking to conjure up a picnic feel, consider leaving the jam in the jar with the picnic table patterned lid right side up.
Beyond these, you want to choose a crowd-pleasing, multi-purpose dipping sauce. Honey is a classic choice. It seldom goes wrong, but you can also add a flourish with how you display the sauce.
Remember, there’s an art to the dishes as well.
Display dishes, whether glass or ceramic, can have a personality in addition to a purpose. Look for something to break the mold to push your theme over the top. If you’re looking to celebrate spring, a dish in the shape of a butterfly, heart or flower may set your board apart.
If you’re feeling extra festive this Easter, consider making grazing boards themed entirely around the holiday.
It could function as a nice centerpiece, a conversation starter or even a replacement for a wild egg hunt.
In pursuit of an Easter grazing board extravaganza, consider what you want your base to be and how you want it to reflect the holiday. One place to start is by using an oval-shaped board to mimic an Easter egg.
If you’re hosting children on the holiday, or just so happen to have a gnarly sweet tooth yourself, a grazing board exclusively made up of Easter candy and goodies is a winner. Populate the board with all the pastel Peeps, chocolate bunnies, carrot-contained candies and egg-shaped things you can gather.
If you lean toward the whimsical, there are also many ways to make the Easter Bunny figure on your grazing board. It could be through arranging foods into the shape of the Easter icon or even carving out the silhouette to stand out on a block of brie.
You may even sub the traditional board for an easter basket. It would add a unique touch.
Nevertheless, at the end of the day, one of the most fun parts of creating a grazing board is the personalization, so do what works for you. Stick to your personal preferences.
If you’re able to procure an artfully arranged and delectably decorative eclectic board, you’re all set.
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