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Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and I ventured to the store last night, hoping to get in before the shelves started going bare.
I typically spend Thanksgiving with friends or by myself — I enjoy both equally — and I don’t really have certain things I eat on the holiday.
I used to eat traditional Thanksgiving food, but since I stopped eating meat, I am typically in the mood for something different.
This year, I really wanted to make a charcuterie board to snack on while I watch the parade (my favorite part about Thanksgiving) and put up my Christmas tree.
Since I haven’t been to Trader Joe’s in months (honestly, not even sure I’ve been this entire year), I wanted to buy specific items from TJ’s for my board to make it special.
I’ll share what I got from TJ’s, what I got elsewhere, and other ideas in case you’re trying to figure out a board for yourself… here we go!
What I bought for my Thanksgiving charcuterie board
For any charcuterie board, you want a mix of flavors and textures. Mine is technically a glorified cheese plate, but you get the idea.
Here’s what I ended up with for my board:
Items from Trader Joe’s: Truffle Marcona Almonds, Fig Butter, Dried Mandarins, Manzanilla Olives, Raisin Rosemary Crisps, Carmelized Onion Goat’s Milk Cheese, and Tiny Pecan Pies.
Items from Imperfect Foods: Smoked Gouda, Nufs Hot Honey Crackers, and apples.
Trader Joe’s also had some mocktail items that I’m excited to try; I got their Sparkling Tea Beverage (Rosé) and a can of their orange spritz mocktail. I also got a bottle of their cranberry clementine sparkling water — a seasonal festive staple!
I’ll probably add some chocolate (from my pantry) to the board and voila! A simple board that’s full of flavor 🙂
General Rules for Building a Charcuterie Board
Here are some guidelines for any charcuterie board, if you need some assistance:
Balance Flavors: Include a mix of salty, sweet, tangy, and savory elements to ensure variety.
Vary Textures: Combine soft and hard cheeses, crunchy crackers, fresh fruit, and creamy spreads.
Consider Dietary Preferences: If needed, offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free options.
Choose a Visual Theme: Arrange ingredients in a colorful and aesthetically pleasing way.
Use Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate fruits, flavors, and decorations that reflect the season or holiday.
Keep It Accessible: Slice hard cheeses, meats, and bread ahead of time for ease of serving.
Don’t Overcrowd: Allow space between items so guests can easily grab what they want.
Include Utensils: Provide small tongs, spreaders, or toothpicks for serving (here’s a ton of serverware options).
Have a Focal Point: Feature one standout item, such as a large wheel of brie or a special dip, to anchor the board.
Plan Quantities: Aim for 2-3 ounces of cheese and 1-2 ounces of meat per person.
Ideas for a Holiday Charcuterie Board
If you need some inspiration, consider the following:
Festive Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut cheese or fruit into holiday shapes (stars, trees, etc.).
Seasonal Cheeses: Feature seasonal options like cranberry goat cheese or aged cheddar with applewood smoke.
Holiday Meats: Include cured meats like prosciutto and salami, and consider festive additions like smoked turkey or ham.
Winter Fruits: Add pomegranate seeds, figs, persimmons, red grapes, and dried cranberries.
Themed Crackers: Choose crackers with seasonal flavors like rosemary or cranberry-walnut.
Spreads and Dips: Use holiday-inspired spreads like fig jam, cranberry chutney, or spiced honey.
Nuts and Snacks: Add roasted chestnuts, candied pecans, or spiced almonds for a festive touch.
Decorative Garnishes: Use rosemary sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or edible flowers for holiday flair.
Sweet Treats: Include small desserts like chocolate truffles, peppermint bark, or gingerbread cookies.
Sparkling Additions: Pair the board with sparkling cider, champagne, or festive cocktails.
Color Palette: Focus on red, green, and white items for a holiday aesthetic.
Build Around a Centerpiece: Use a holiday-themed item like a small wreath or candle in the center.
Mini Charcuterie Boards: Create individual guest boards for a unique, pandemic-friendly option.
You also want to consider how you’ll plate your board. I like to use a traditional wooden board or a platter, but you can use anything. I’ve also been to parties where the host covered their island counter top in butcher’s paper and just put all the food directly on that — genius!
I hope these ideas sparked one of your own 🙂 I love making a snack board for any occasion. No matter what your plans are, I hope you have a fantastic holiday!
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