Bigger, Better & Bountiful BOARDS.

All my secrets to bigger, better & bountiful BOARDS!

Boards have been my favorite addition to the appetizer spread over the last few years because it is a guaranteed hit with every guest. After studying over 100 dietary theories, I still learn a new nutritional approach that works for someone new every week, and boards are a great way to consider any diet that sets foot in your home. Mix a little bit of this and a little bit of that -- fruit and veggies, with cheese, nuts and prosciutto -- and you've got yourself happy grandparents, siblings and plant based friends right from the start.

Choose Foods with Heavy Mileage.

I bet you could make the majority of a board with many items you currently have in your cabinet and refrigerator. Choose foods like olives, potatoes, cucumbers and hazelnuts to set the tone for the season, but also to establish a strong base with your board. Fruits like pineapple and apples add vibrant color, texture and space while also avoiding any common allergens.  Here are a few other items to consider to add a pop and serve plenty:

• Sun-dried tomatoes 

• Pepperoncinis 

• Yogurt covered pretzels

• Cashews, almonds or hazelnuts 

• Roasted red peppers

• Pickles

Salute to Sauces & Spreads.

• Personally, I like to cook about twenty percent of the vegetables to enhance the quality of the board. Cooking adds a special touch that can only be made by you! But, this is not customary, and it is certainly not an obligation. Sauces, however, are a must! They cast a component of delicacy while brightening up the flavor and creating a sort of D-I-Y aspect to how guests experience your board. So, here's to saluting the special sauce factor. Special sauce & spread suggestions:

• Balsamic reduction

• Hummus

• Chipotle ranch

• Roasted red pepper purée

• EVOO, S & P

Set Your Stand-Out Signature Style.

Do you have a favorite side that you couldn't fit into the main course? Perhaps it's a new pesto roasted carrot recipe you recently discovered. Maybe find a way to squeeze in a sweet or two before the savory. The best thing about boards is that there are no rules, so you can design your own signature move, board-style. Fill in the gaps with that pretty pesto or those chocolate chips. And own it, each and every time.  Here are handful of board best-sellers that are always crowd-pleasers at my house:

• Roasted artichokes 

• Chocolate bark

• Baked brie

• Sausage meatballs (S/O - Sister)

• Sweet potato fries

• Mom's toasted EVOO ciabatta