PLAYGROUND
This holiday spread pleases the whole family thanks to its sweet and savory goodness – plus, it’s fun to make together. Grazing boards are a versatile appetizer to serve before a fancy meal, set out at a tree trimming party, or bring to a potluck cocktail party. Who knows, maybe your family’s Elf on the Shelf will get in on the fun!
Words by Amanda Keefer at Healthy Family Project
Photos by Rachel Doyle Photography
Here’s a cheat sheet on what’s featured in this spread:
- Black Olives
- Cucumber
- Container of pomegranate arils or one pomegranate
- Pint of cherry tomatoes
- Ranch dressing
- Tiny pieces of carrot
- Mini marshmallows
- Cup of green grapes
- Banana
- Pint of strawberries
- Pita bread cut in triangles
- Cranberries
- Starfruit
- Mini candy canes
- Mini salami
- Kiwi
- Celery
- Peanut butter
- Pretzels
- Candy eyes
- Seasonal sweet treats (cookies and snowmen)
- Wheat crackers
- Brie cheese
- Rosemary
How To Make Wow-Worthy Edible Accents:
Reindeer Celery
Cut celery in 2-inch pieces, add peanut butter, candy eyes, and pomegranate arils for the nose and then break pretzels in half to make antlers.
Pita Trees
Cut pita rounds into triangles (or use pre-cut triangle pitas). Brush with guacamole and then decorate with pomegranate arils.
Kiwi Tree
Slice green kiwi in a circle and place on board in the shape of a tree. Add a sliced starfruit to the top.
Ranch Dip
Turn this go-to dip into a friendly snowman. Simply add black olives for eyes and small piece of carrot for nose
Cucumber Stars
Use a star-shaped cookie cutter on the center of cucumber. Add pomegranate arils to the center. Then place the cut-out stars around the ranch dip for a little extra sparkle.
Grinch Kabob
Slide a mini marshmallow, a strawberry with the top cut off, banana slice and grape onto a bamboo skewer.
Flair
Sprinkle rosemary, dried cranberries and pomegranate arils for delectable details.
Tips on how to build your board:
You can substitute just about everything for your favorite holiday snacks, but a balance of fresh fruits and veggies will keep you feeling healthy and charge on a hectic December day. Keep it festive by selecting nibbles that come in holiday colors.
Place the larger items first, like your ranch dip. Brie and kiwi tree. Then slowly add items – from placing black olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers near the dip to keeping the crackers and cheese together. Don’t forget to give your elf a bowl of sweet treats like marshmallows or chocolate chips!
Tara Collingwood
