Build The Ultimate Dessert Grazing Board
Grazing boards have evolved from curated selections of meats, cheeses, crackers and accoutrement to being centerpieces all on their own. Entire parties are dedicated to the creativity and abundance of a one-stop grazing spot. Themed, color-coordinated, vegan-friendly… Grazing boards are meant to satiate and provide a way to connect and mingle. The options for curating a delectable spread that entices and indulges the senses are endless.
At Wildwood® we love a dessert-focused grazing board. Why? A dessert grazing board takes the pressure off of having one spectacular plated dessert to satisfy all, creates options for dietary restrictions or preferences, and keeps gatherings playful and interactive through the end of the evening.
HOW TO BUILD:
1. Determine the size of the board needed and if you will have the capacity to refill items as they are diminished. If not, put it all out there!
2. Create a focal point. We wanted our caramels and chocolates to really shine, so we focused on featuring those front and center with baked goods, nuts, and fruits as supporting characters.
3. Diversify texture and flavors. Include some salty (marcona almonds, pretzels, or popcorn), some sweet (caramels, chocolate pieces, chocolate dipping sauce), and maybe even some fruit and creamy cheeses to create flavor combinations that keep guests coming back for more.
4. Make it visually appealing. Charcuterie board techniques come into play here. Rivers, valleys, mountains, oh my! Decide if you want to create zones by grouping items in specific areas, or make it easy to grab all options by mingling elements across the board.
Note: if there are dietary restrictions or allergies at play, consider decorative bowls to mitigate contamination. A bonus with this method is creating natural height differences, thus increasing the character and dimension of the board.
Extra credit! Pair your dessert grazing board with beverages that compliment the flavor profiles you’ve created. Might we suggest Wildwood® drinking chocolate? It pairs deliciously with our caramels and just about any other sweet treat.
That’s it! Follow these guidelines and your dessert grazing board is guaranteed to not only impress your guests, but keep the interest and connection alive long after the main course is complete.
