Sweet and Savory V-Day Grazing Boards
Maybe it’s just me, but I will find any and every reason to make a charcuterie board, and Valentine’s season is no exception. Whether you’re having a Galentine’s get-together with your girls or a romantic night in with your boo, a beautiful board always helps set the right mood. While a classic charcuterie with meat and cheese is always the go-to, the addition of a dessert board is the perfect V-Day touch, since this holiday always makes me think of sweets and chocolate. Here is our take on the perfect, yet simple, savory and sweet board combo, but ultimately, the best part about making your own boards is that you can mix and match based on your preferences!
SAVORY
SWEET
MORE TIPS
Mix textures and flavors: Incorporate a variety of textures and flavors by including different types of meats (like cured meats, sausages, or pâtés), cheeses (soft, hard, and aged varieties), fruits, nuts, and spreads. This diversity adds interest and depth to your board.
Consider presentation: Arrange your ingredients thoughtfully on the board, balancing colors, shapes, and sizes to create an eye-catching display. Start with larger items like cheeses and meats as focal points, then fill in gaps with smaller items for visual appeal.
Offer variety: Aim for a balanced selection that caters to different tastes and dietary preferences. Include a mix of salty, savory, sweet, and tangy elements.
Don't forget the accompaniments: Enhance the flavors of your meats and cheeses with complementary accompaniments like mustard, honey, or jam. These add extra layers of flavor and provide options for customization.
Serve at the right temperature: Take your cheeses and meats out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps to bring out their flavors and ensures they're at their best when enjoyed.
Amp up the elements of Valentine’s Day: For example, on the savory board, we used a small cookie cutter on the dried apricots to make them into the shape of hearts. Also, on the sweet board, we really tried to incorporate a lot of pinks, reds, and hearts! Even using a pink cake stand and scattering rose petals on the table helped to tie in the girly, romantic vibe.