Holiday Entertaining Package

Boards are a creative medium for entertaining. A perfectly imperfect array of meats, vegetables, cheese and other morsels sets the mood for any dinner party and provides easy clean up. Guests can help themselves and as a host you are free to take care of other responsibilities knowing there is a wide selection of offerings available.

Today, we have an entertaining package that is sure to please everyone: we are giving away a copy of On Boards, a copy of Savor, and a Shun Sora VBS3300 3-Piece Build a Block Set and JK Adams Maple and Walnut Cheese Server to one lucky grand prize winner. Two additional winners in the US and Canada will have a chance to win a copy of On Boards.

On Boards: Simple and Inspiring Recipes and Ideas to Share at Every Gathering by Lisa Dawn Bolton, celebrated food blogger and food stylist, has curated 50 ideas for instantly accessible boards, all with effortless “impromptu” entertaining in mind. With chapters on Everyday Boards, Special Occasion Boards, Seasonal Boards, and Boards from Around the World, you will find inspiration for every gathering, large or small.

One of our members, Judy, recently shared one of her creations inspired by this title, the Mediterranean mezze, and shared her photo at EYB. Appetite By Random House is sharing this board’s directions with our members.

Mediterran Mezze
Add this recipe to your Bookshelf (click the blue +Bookshelf button).

Serves 8

This is a very hearty board. It could easily be made into a meal by simply adding some grilled souvlaki skewers and a side of tzatziki.

The Mediterranean diet – abundant in fruits, vegetables, legumes and olive oil – has been hailed as one of the healthiest in the world. The Greek culture does a tremendous job of bringing together contrasting profiles – creamy, crunchy, briny and sweet – for a never-ending choice of flavor combinations. This board is so rich not only in flavor but also in composition that it serves as a meal all on its own.

  • Basic Hummus (page 146)
  • Heirloom rainbow carrots, 16, greens attached
  • Tomatoes, 12, various sizes
  • English cucumbers,
  • 2 small Avocado, 1 large
  • Dry red-wine salami, 24 slices
  • Herbed feta cubes, 10 oz
  • Fresh mozzarella, 16 small balls
  • Pitas, 4
  • Dolmas, 10 oz
  • Halkidiki olives, 16
  • Blooming fresh oregano, for garnish

Preparation

Make the Basic Hummus and serve in a bowl on the board.

Prepare the vegetables: Peel the carrots, keeping about 2˝ of the tops attached. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise into skinny strips. Last minute: Cut the avocado into wedges, leaving the peel on for easier handling.

Slice each pita into 8 triangles, like you’d slice a pie.

Serve the other components in the style that works best for you (see page 23 for tips), then arrange everything on and around your board. Top with optional garnish.

Tip

Short on time? Pick up some store-bought hummus and a can of chickpeas when you’re picking up the dolmas, available at most grocers either canned or in the fresh deli department.

*****

You will need a quality knife to make all these cuts for your charcuterie boards. There are a number of great knives on the market but my absolute favorite for feel, weight, sharpness and beauty are Shun knives. To begin your Shun experience, we are offering a Shun Sora VBS3300 3-Piece Build a Block Set, Silver in our giveaway below.

As soon as I received this knife, I started looking for things to dice and slice. I had a bag of tangerines and decided to make marmalade and this beauty of a knife made the most incredibly thin slices. I was in awe.

We have the recipes, we have the knife, now we need a gorgeous board to lay out delicious spread. JK Adams Maple and Walnut Cheese Server is the board. This server is large, sturdy and beautiful and I’m sad that I haven’t had an opportunity to use it yet. We’ve been busy with work and other issues with our child that we haven’t been entertaining but I hope to remedy that soon. Until then, I plan on using my board to display my holiday cookies (when I start baking them this weekend).

To top off this entertaining package, Cider Mill Press is offering one copy of their recent releases Savor: Entertaining with Charcuterie, Cheese, Spreads & More by Kimberly Stevens. This title takes your entertaining to the next level, going far beyond the old standards of crackers and cheese. From casual, small get-togethers and intimate cocktail parties to large gatherings and formal celebrations – no matter the occasion or dress code, there is a charcuterie board here that fits the bill perfectly. There are dozens of options within each category – meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, fruit, preserves, and more making a myriad of amazing possibilities for your finished culinary creation.

 

 


The publisher of On Boards is offering two copies of this book to members in Canada. The entertaining prize package of one copy of On Boards, Savor, JK Adams board and Shun knife is available to one member in the US. One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post.

What is your favorite way to entertain using a cheese board?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won’t be counted. For more information on this process, please see our step-by-step help post. Be sure to check your spam filters to receive our email notifications. Prizes can take up to 6 weeks to arrive from the publishers. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on February 12th, 2019.

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141 Comments

  • gracieanne  on  December 17, 2018

    I would love to own these books.

  • FireRunner2379  on  December 17, 2018

    I like making pizza and using cutting boards to display the slices for guest to eat from.

  • FireRunner2379  on  December 17, 2018

    I'd like a Rectangular Pizza Stone from Emile Henry.

  • jennycooks1971  on  December 17, 2018

    I love cheese, fruit and almonds on a board!

  • momofroo  on  December 17, 2018

    I love using boards to make a cheese platter. I only have a very small board so would LOVE a bigger one!

  • lauriesk  on  December 17, 2018

    I use them for appetizers with cheese, bread, olives and vegetables.

  • lauriesk  on  December 17, 2018

    I would try a pizza stone for the grill from Emile Henry.

  • demomcook  on  December 17, 2018

    For dinner parties, I usually have a medium size round wood board with three different kinds of cheese. I try to find something a little unusual, and two not so unusual. I serve them with an assortment of crackers and thinly sliced baguette rounds.

  • rchesser  on  December 17, 2018

    I love to make an assorted breads board.

  • MissintheKitchen  on  December 17, 2018

    Most of often we do all kinds of cheese with a bit of salami, crusty bread and lots of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Maybe a bit of fruit if it's handy. Great cookbooks, can't wait to check them out.

  • WCchopper  on  December 17, 2018

    I always pile a bunch of cheese, charcuterie, olives, etc on my giant cutting board and put in on the coffee table in my living room so people can just help themselves. It's easy to clean up after too, only one surface to wash

  • stepspior  on  December 17, 2018

    I usually try wine pairings with cheese and salami. Love with olives. With freshly bought French Crusty Bread 🥖.

  • riley  on  December 17, 2018

    Take on winery picnics. Perfect for slicing and serving.

  • Amdona  on  December 17, 2018

    Would love a board for appetizers.

  • Roxy12  on  December 18, 2018

    Cheese, fruit, charcuterie, and friends.

  • jr0717  on  December 18, 2018

    Making every day a little more special with snack boards for lunch or dinner

  • JRumi  on  December 18, 2018

    I like to use cheeses, meats, a spread, crackers and grapes.

  • eatysmith  on  December 18, 2018

    I use boards for cheese platters! I'm crazy that way!

  • bakeswithlove2369  on  December 18, 2018

    i used boards for desserts cheeses fruits antipasta whatever I feel like serving and making a little more special

  • icicle  on  December 18, 2018

    We call them 'pick a plate' meals and usually have them for dinner if we've been out for a big lunch. We also do them on movie nights and ALWAYS for Christmas lunch. They are my daughter's favorite way to eat.

  • jupflute  on  December 18, 2018

    I love picking three different kinds of cheese and getting fancy crackers. Then I add some dried and/or fresh fruit and maybe a fun spread like membrillo. Cheese and crackers are one of my absolute favorite foods.

  • jinni  on  December 18, 2018

    Use a shallow wooden bowl or my wooden mezzaluna bowl for Persian herb plate to go with kebab skewers. Use a paella pan for tapas. Use wooden Ethiopian coffee server tray for middle eastern vegetable salads and tahini.

  • CynthiasCooking  on  December 18, 2018

    We LOVE using boards. We often take crackers and cheese to potlucks and a few years ago were gifted a beautiful LONG wooden board by a woodworking friend that makes it easy on a big potluck table to tell that the cheese (or bread) and crackers are meant to go together. We also always have a cheese board at our annual New Year's Eve gathering. I like to have several kinds of cheese (some hard, some spreadable, some white, some blue, some yellow, some sharp, some mellow) and a couple bowls of olives. I also always bake a brie – we used to get a pepper-crusted brie but our local cheese shop can't get it anymore so now I make a pie crust and roll cracked pepper into it and bake the brie in that. Everyone loves it.

  • CynthiasCooking  on  December 18, 2018

    We LOVE using boards. We often take crackers and cheese to potlucks and a few years ago were gifted a beautiful LONG wooden board by a woodworking friend that makes it easy on a big potluck table to tell that the cheese (or bread) and crackers are meant to go together. We also always have a cheese board at our annual New Year's Eve gathering. I like to have several kinds of cheese (some hard, some spreadable, some white, some blue, some yellow, some sharp, some mellow) and a couple bowls of olives. I also always bake a brie – we used to get a pepper-crusted brie but our local cheese shop can't get it anymore so now I make a pie crust and roll cracked pepper into it and bake the brie in that. Everyone loves it.

  • stephlinde  on  December 18, 2018

    Cheese and crackers are a great no-effort meal. I try to include some cut up fruit as well to cut the richness of the cheese.

  • kmn4  on  December 18, 2018

    Each year, we normally have an hors d'oeuvres night before the holidays, and each family brings different appetizers – a cheese and meat board is often the centerpiece. Since we live very close to the West Side Market in Cleveland, and a short drive away from Amish country, we have ready access to excellent cheeses and meats.

  • Sharmiro  on  December 18, 2018

    I love finding old pieces of wood and repurposing them as cheese and entertainment boards.

  • HerBoudoir  on  December 18, 2018

    Love these kinds of meals!

  • ccav  on  December 18, 2018

    I use the boards for cheeses, fig cake, olives and crudite; bowls with dips surround the board, and small baskets with different types of crackers and toasts surround as well.

  • antpantsii  on  December 18, 2018

    I use boards when entertaining and put cheeses and pate or slice salami. Olives and pickles are centered on the board. I use another board for breads and flat bread.
    We also use boards in our house for a "pick up" supper which might have sliced leftover roast, mustard, cheese, bread, onions – whatever you have in the fridge that can be added.

  • Kristjudy  on  December 18, 2018

    I like making a bagel board for breakfast guests.

  • tennyogirl  on  December 18, 2018

    I like to use them to make a dessert area with cookies, fruit and sweet dips.

  • eveaway  on  December 18, 2018

    What is my favorite way to entertain using a cheese board? I've never used one, but it is a great idea…looking forward to trying. Start with hummus, add olives, baked tofu, grilled red peppers, etc. Vegan of course!

  • twinreader  on  December 18, 2018

    I like to make shapes that go with the occasion – a tree for Christmas, a bunny for Easter, etc.

  • matag  on  December 18, 2018

    Italian antipasto is my go to

  • sarahawker  on  December 18, 2018

    I like to serve cheese with pickled vegetables and crusty bread, lots of olive oil!

  • lean1  on  December 18, 2018

    Small quiches, crackers cheese fruit, dried fruit and mostarda.

  • KarenGlad  on  December 18, 2018

    A selection of cheese, dried figs or fresh if available, grapes, and a fresh crusty baguette all on a board….served with a glass (or two) of wine.

  • Shelley.b  on  December 18, 2018

    I use a board for cheese and crackers

  • hillsboroks  on  December 18, 2018

    I love to artistically arrange cheeses, my homemade pickled veggies, crackers, breads, olives and meats all on a board.

  • jluvs2bake  on  December 18, 2018

    I use these spreads fairly regularly. I always have large boards at the receptions after my students' recitals. Cheeses, homemade jams or chutney or other spreads, a variety of pickled vegetables, a selection of meats. I use a footed marble slab for very small boards and a pretty wooden board for two or three couples. For larger groups, I use a huge cut glass punch bowl tray that lost its bowl somewhere long before it ever found its way to me. The indention in the center is perfect for holding a dish or items with a little juice that I don't want mingling with everything else. And I use other small glass serving bowls on it for the spreads, maybe some of the pickles, etc.

  • NancyLynn  on  December 19, 2018

    I use my wooden ones for cheese/meat/crackers. I use my big plastic ones for cutting up pizzas.

  • cinmac62  on  December 19, 2018

    I am on the hunt for a nice large board to use for a Christmas Cheese and Antipasta board. The photos in these books are SO inspiring!

  • AlisonL  on  December 20, 2018

    I have used a board to make a vegan cheese board. The cheeses were a hit. Would love to figure out how to incorporate other things into a board.

  • dellacparker  on  December 20, 2018

    I use boards for our buffet meals at school. Bread, cheeses and meats are my favorites-the fancier the cheese the better!

  • wonderfluf  on  December 20, 2018

    I like to set out cheeses and meats and fruits on it.

  • claudina  on  December 21, 2018

    I use boards as an edible decorative table piece.

  • jezpurr  on  December 21, 2018

    Quite often I love entertaining my kids with cutting up a variety of stuff so they can help themselves while we watch something we haven't seen. On holidays it keeps them busy enjoying snacking while all the main food is being cooked!!!^_^

  • ejsmith  on  December 21, 2018

    Never thought to use boards other than with cheese. I'm feeling rather inspired!

  • mlanthie  on  December 21, 2018

    Cheeses, meats, fruits and have also done a breakfast board.

  • gottabekd  on  December 21, 2018

    It’s all about the charcuterie for me.

  • Kblg  on  December 21, 2018

    About three different cheeses, including one soft cheese, interesting crackers, with grapes and/or strawberries interspersed. Yum!

  • t.t  on  December 21, 2018

    cheese and crackers

  • LABeachGal  on  December 21, 2018

    I love using boards to make a cheese board! I also put out crackers, fig jam and other fruits.

  • kelliwinter  on  December 22, 2018

    I like to pile the board with all delicious things like cheese and crackers and veggie sticks

  • lmatz  on  December 22, 2018

    cheese and crackers

  • Laura1  on  December 22, 2018

    cheese, crackers, and grapes are my go to for a board.

  • elsid22  on  December 22, 2018

    i used boards for entertaining or for my family on a regular evening. Fruits, veges, and meats and cheeses!

  • sallansd  on  December 22, 2018

    boards are perfect for cheese, salami, fruits

  • PQPantry  on  December 22, 2018

    I use a ceramic platter with lots of compartments. Typically include hummus, olives, nuts, dried fruit, veggies. On a board I will use 3 cheeses, sliced baguette and charcuterie

  • awesomepossum  on  December 22, 2018

    There is something so simple, yet classy about a cheese board. I love a few types of cheese, salami, nuts and olives as a nice appetizer before dinner with small groups.

  • southerncooker  on  December 23, 2018

    I've never entertained using a cheese board but I'm sure I could learn how from this book.

  • LaurenE  on  December 25, 2018

    I like to use cheeses, meats, and grapes ono a cheese board. I'd like a pizza stone from Emile Henry.

  • Dannausc  on  December 25, 2018

    I don’t really know how to entertain using a cheese board. That’s why I need this book.

  • lindaeatsherbooks  on  December 26, 2018

    I like to use serving boards for sliced dried meats.

  • annieski  on  December 26, 2018

    Use boards for serving platters of cheese, meats and crackers or breads. Also use them decoratively.

  • kitchenclimbers  on  December 26, 2018

    I love making cheese and meat boards

  • Vanice  on  December 27, 2018

    Cheese and salami are my favorite boards

  • ravensfan  on  December 28, 2018

    I use boards to serve cheese and charcuterie.

  • Steben  on  December 28, 2018

    Cheese, crackers, grapes, olives, meat.

  • bdmltm  on  December 28, 2018

    I've never entertained with a cheese board but would love to try it!

  • kennethjohngilmour  on  December 29, 2018

    usually with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, meats and nuts

  • dtremit  on  December 29, 2018

    I'm boring — cheese and charcuterie most of the time! Would love to get some ideas from this book.

  • bettinab  on  December 29, 2018

    Lots of boards going on here in Provence @ Food and Flowers@Lecolombier
    Todays was home made Terrine de Foie Gras and charcuterie

  • floridagld  on  December 29, 2018

    cheese boards are always fun.
    this year I had sandwich and soup boards and cookie boards for Christmas Eve, Fun and different.

  • itadakimasu  on  December 29, 2018

    I'm not sure which is why winning this book would be awesome! Would love to step up my cheese board game this next year!

  • MiMi60  on  December 29, 2018

    I like to make a selection of breads and cheese on my boards

  • rusthawk  on  December 30, 2018

    I use them for sliced meats and cheeses, with artisan crackers.

  • Rosesrpink50  on  December 30, 2018

    Boards work great for serving a crock of soup with warm crackers or bread.

  • JJWong  on  December 30, 2018

    I like to put together a simple cheese and meat board for family get togethers. I try to include a couple hard and a couple soft spreadable cheeses in addition to some meats. I finish off the board with a variety of nuts and crackers. It's a real crowd pleaser!

  • Lkitchings  on  December 30, 2018

    To display appetizers

  • debbiehb  on  December 31, 2018

    Cheese, meats, pate, pickled veggies, slices of toasted bread

  • ghill  on  January 1, 2019

    I like to lay out a Cobb or chef salad ingredients in rows on the board, that way everyone can customize their salad.

  • Karen.2018  on  January 1, 2019

    I've only used basic salami, sausage and cheese. I'd love this awesome giveaway to inspire me to be more creative!

  • miggsy  on  January 1, 2019

    I most like to do a cheese board.

  • Lisasa  on  January 1, 2019

    A variety of flatbreads

  • banba1  on  January 1, 2019

    pretty traditional antipasto on boards here!

  • Sfgordon  on  January 2, 2019

    I made a candy and cookie board for a halloween party and it was really fun. But of course I also love a classic cheese and charcuterie board.

  • popoff  on  January 2, 2019

    I have a beautiful hickory cutting board that is like 2-1/2 inches thick. I love to show it off. Cheese boards are out favorite.

  • tarae1204  on  January 3, 2019

    I like to use paper leaves on a board as a base for cheeses, combining one hard, one medium and one creamy cheese per board.

  • Bullwinkle72  on  January 5, 2019

    I mean, I suppose you could entertain (and I do) but honestly this is my absolutely favorite way to eat. My husband dies because there’s never enough, but I love it. Entertaining wise this is ideal for a small gathering of good friends. Wine or cocktails, conversation and a board of great nibbles!

  • ChefPauli  on  January 5, 2019

    My favorite is a cheese and fruit board. I have some kind or another displayed every time I entertain.

  • upstatemissy  on  January 6, 2019

    I have not used boards in entertaining yet but I saw so many beautiful displays over this holiday season.

  • Kellyr78  on  January 7, 2019

    I like to use them to serve cheese and crackers for guests. Sometimes hummus and veggies as well.

  • Nrshelley  on  January 8, 2019

    I love using the boards for charcuterie and cheese with nuts and fruit for a pre-dinner snack with wine.

  • Nancith  on  January 8, 2019

    Not too inventive using boards–mostly cheese & breads.

  • Karla123  on  January 9, 2019

    I like to create vegan snack boards with them.

  • lgroom  on  January 11, 2019

    I try to have an antipasti board for most gathering

  • leilx  on  January 12, 2019

    I have just started creating boards. So far I use homemade crackers and pickles, and cheese. I also often add savory cookies from Dorie’s Cookies. I’d like to do more!

  • antpantsii  on  January 17, 2019

    Laying out an antepasta with meats olives pickles vegetables and cheese

  • RSW  on  January 18, 2019

    to serve

  • ckbkcollector  on  January 19, 2019

    I would love to try Mediterran Mezze on a board. Beautiful!!

  • Mariarosa  on  January 20, 2019

    I make traditional Italian antipasto – salumi, cheeses, olives, roasted peppers, anchovies, artichoke hearts, ciabatta bread.

  • KarenDel  on  January 23, 2019

    I like using a cheese board for appetizers, with a selection of fruit and nuts

  • threefourpfeif  on  January 26, 2019

    I like putting a spread of meats, cheeses, and nuts out when hosting guests

  • EmilyR  on  January 28, 2019

    I love an international board with lots of little dishes and beautiful colorful foods sprinkled about. Dessert boards are also my new go to for a little bit of everything.

  • nacho2100  on  January 28, 2019

    I love laying out charcuterie and arranging it but it never seems to last

  • daniellespinato1  on  January 29, 2019

    Cheese, cheese, cheese…gimme all the cheese boards!

  • starzine  on  January 29, 2019

    I set up boards for gameday.

  • Uhmandanicole  on  February 2, 2019

    i love having cheeseboards when we have guests over with an assortment of cheeses and meats and nuts. and wine of course

  • Cdunn  on  February 2, 2019

    Placing fresh meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts on varying size boards and placing them in different areas so everyone doesn’t crowd around one area!

  • Couponsiobhan  on  February 2, 2019

    I like to make a cheese board with fruit and crackers for a quick, kid-friendly supper.

  • jmay42066  on  February 2, 2019

    Cheeses, meats, olives, crackers and breads are my favorites.

  • schuffster  on  February 2, 2019

    honeycomb and cheese along with olives, sliced fruit, and crackers!

  • timnona  on  February 3, 2019

    raw veggies, green onions, cheese selection, sometimes a meat, like a picnic

  • dbielick  on  February 3, 2019

    Cheese, crackers, bread, toppings

  • klrclark  on  February 3, 2019

    Beside making parties special we use boards every Saturday mid afternoon after work to relax with a snack to start our weekend.

  • circ2000  on  February 3, 2019

    Crusty breads, assorted cheeses, at last 2 meats, mustards and Coloroad-Style Southern Chow Chow

  • artthecat  on  February 3, 2019

    Cheeses, breads and meats on a beautiful board with different woods.

  • brigs03  on  February 3, 2019

    I like to include a sweet option. Chocolate cheese fudge w fruit and Graham crackers is a favorite.

  • Lafauvette  on  February 4, 2019

    I like a combo of cheese, meats, fruit, and pickles.

  • Shana.  on  February 4, 2019

    Cheese, grapes, sliced goodies.

  • TheCookbookCook  on  February 4, 2019

    A beautiful cheese plate with crackers, honey, nuts, and dried apricots.

  • RickPearson54  on  February 5, 2019

    Antipasti

  • auntietina  on  February 5, 2019

    Chicken liver mousse with puffed wild rice and puréed cranberry

  • trudys_person  on  February 5, 2019

    I usually just do cheese and charcuterie, but I'd love ideas to up my game!

  • Amandaspamanda  on  February 6, 2019

    i love using boards for formal get togethers, one for savory foods and one for sweets!

  • JenjiRM  on  February 6, 2019

    I think boards make any meal fun! Our usual go-to is cheese, meats, fruit, & nuts. I've started trying to make jams and mostardas. I love serving food on boards!

  • mrscahughes  on  February 6, 2019

    small gatherings at home in my kitchen

  • tararr  on  February 7, 2019

    Cheese, crackers and fruit

  • SheriSheri  on  February 7, 2019

    cheese and crackers

  • orchidlady01  on  February 8, 2019

    I like to use boards for cheese and fruit platters.

  • littleminxgirl  on  February 8, 2019

    I love my boards for homemade pizza. They're perfect

  • outsidereader  on  February 9, 2019

    I love setting up cheese and fruit boards for guests.

  • Dendav  on  February 9, 2019

    Use for breakfast breads /croissants /bagels and Danish.

  • virjeania  on  February 9, 2019

    I love doing cheese and cured meats boards for anytime we have guests.

  • stpbcyld50  on  February 10, 2019

    I recently had a baby, so family has just been asking me to bring a cheese board to holiday and birthday gatherings lately. I love to cook but the boards have been really fun! I’d love to have a nicer board to put the cheese and fruit on!

  • dprice  on  February 10, 2019

    Cascading sheets of cheese and bread.

  • mph993  on  February 10, 2019

    we use them for a mixed grill and fixings for build-your-own tacos

  • vmiller514  on  February 12, 2019

    I love to use serving boards for a large display of charcuterie, cheeses and fruits at my parties!

  • NaomiH  on  February 12, 2019

    I would serve a selection of cheese and fruits, breads and crackers.

Seen anything interesting? Let us know & we'll share it!