Create a Gorgeous, Seasonal Snack Board
Everyone loves to snack. In fact, many folks prefer more frequent, little meals over large meals. With minimal planning and a bit of imagination, snack-style meals can be perfectly healthy and satisfying. Building a snack board can also be a creative way to use leftovers or put to use those jars of pickles, preserves, dips and jams in the far reaches of your refrigerator.
Start with a decorative tray, cutting board, baking sheet or serving platter. Choose 2-5 staple items from each category: meats, cheeses, produce, dips, and crackers and bread.
Meats and Vegan Meats
Meats that have been smoked or cured are usually easy to serve. Try making a river of salami or summer sausage slices meandering through the center of the board. Fold thin slices of prosciutto and tuck them into gaps between other items. There are so many tasty vegan options available, too! Field Roast and Tofurky are two companies we carry at Marlene’s that produce delicious, deli-style slices, and Field Roast makes an Apple Maple Breakfast Sausage that serves as a fabulous, sweet and savory stand-in for the traditional cocktail wiener!
Cheeses and Vegan Cheeses
The challenge here is leaving room on your board for anything else! Marlene’s has a broad selection of incredible cheeses from soft goat to bleu wedge to brie and many mouth-watering, presliced options for quick assembly. Look for delectable local brands like Point Reyes, Cypress Grove, Twin Sisters and Beecher’s. Vegan cheeses have come so far in flavor and texture that it’s difficult to believe what you’re eating is entirely plant based! Some staff favorites are Miyoko’s spreads and wheels and Chao slices.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some veggies, like carrots, celery, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower and broccoli florets are available all year long. Try branching out and adding a few new items to keep your board colorful and interesting. Sliced radishes, jicama, endive leaves, green onions and snap peas are wonderful additions that you might consider adding to your mix. Don’t forget pickled vegetables!
We have expanded our selection to include hot or sweet peppers, artichoke hearts, asparagus spears, jalapeno green beans, beets, Brussels sprouts and a plethora of juicy olives and pickled cucumbers.
When selecting fruits, try incorporating seasonal goodies at their peak like berries in early summer, melons and stone fruits in late summer, figs and grapes in early autumn, and apples and pears throughout the winter months. Remember, there are also wonderful dried fruits available that pack a lot of flavor any time of year!
Dips and Spreads, Crackers and Breads
The only limit is your imagination! Hummus comes in an enormous variety of flavors and works well with breads, crackers and vegetables alike. Marlene’s also carries a variety of cashew and almond based dips, oils, salsas and guacamole, jams, honeys and spreads. Yogurt is often overlooked, but makes a wonderful tangy base for savory or sweet dips.
Essential Baking Co. makes incredible breads. Try thin-slicing a baguette and toasting the slices. Looking for gluten free options? In addition to wholesome, traditional crackers, Marlene’s has you covered with delightful options from companies like Mary’s Gone Crackers, Blue Diamond, Simple Mills and Crunchmaster made from nuts, seeds, alternative grains and flours. So grab a board and let’s get snacking!
