Happy Holidays, y’all!
Who else loves this time of year? Family time, good food, celebration… it doesn’t get any better than that.
If you are hosting this year, a great cheeseboard is a staple and non-negotiable. It’s the easiest and most impressive party app ever.
As a dietitian, I follow a few simple steps to put together a delicious, balanced and nutritious cheeseboard that everyone will love!
Step 1: Veggies
Who says you can’t help meet your recommended 5 servings of fruit and veggie per day with your party platter? Thick snacking veggies like celery, sliced bell peppers and cucumber slices for easy dipping.
Step 2: Fruit
Think seasonal! I love adding grapes, fresh figs and some dried fruit options like cherries and apricots.
Step 3: Whole grains
Add some whole grain crackers or crusty bread for some crunchy elements.
Step 4: Protein
Cheese of course is a staple for any CHEESE board. For for a few varieties to satisfy different palates. I like a creamy brie or goat cheese and a hard cheese like cheddar or gouda. Another protein option – HUMMUS. Great for dipping veggies into. Bonus points for using a beet hummus to add more color to your platter.
Step 5: Healthy Fats
Olives and nuts are great healthy fat additions to your seasonal cheese board.
Step 6: Go red, wine that is!
A red wine for those heart-healthy antioxidants – the Il Bastardo Sangiovese di Toscana 2017 imported by HB Wine Merchants is a fruity, tad fleshy and full of fun wine! It is a 100% Sangiovese, chiefly from Tuscany’s Rufina district, but also including grapes from vineyards nearby. It is availablein 750ml. and 1.5-L bottles. A medium-bodied wine; typically 13% alcohol by volume and only retails for $9 a bottle.
Step 7: Garnish
I like using fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a seasonal touch. It also adds a lovely fragrance!
If you make this, be sure to share with me on Instagram!
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Sponsored by HB Wine Merchants
