What’s on your Valentine’s Day Menu? What about doing a Valentine’s Day Snack Board? These are easy to assemble with a little planning. The kids LOVE them, and so do the adults. And yes, chocolate is involved. Have I gotten your attention?!!
Start by finding a large wood board 20 by 20 is a great size. They sell these all over. Sur La Table has some nice ones, albeit a bit pricey. Marshalls, Homegoods and Target have some as well. Next, think about the components your family will love. My family loves my Pepperoni Pizza which has the same ingredients as my Pepperoni Pinwheel Recipe. Click on the link here. https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pepperoni-pinwheels/ Use a pastry sheet by Pillsbury and shape into a heart. I have a heart pan I used, but you don’t necessarily need that. Shape the dough into a heart and use a round pizza tin. Assemble the layers of spices, pepperoni, and you can add the shredded cheese last. Bake and let this cool completely. Place in the center of your board as a focal point. Don’t forget to save some pepperoni and place on the board.
Next, Cheese is always a winner and pairs well with the pizza. I shaped the cheeses into hearts by using a cookie cutter. You can even buy sliced cheese and use that. I would offer 2-3 different types of cheeses. I found the baby bell wrapped cheese and turn turned them upside down.
Now pick some fruit. I chose the red grapes, pomegranates, and gala apples to stay within the red-colored theme for Valentine’s day. You can do cherries, whole pomegranates cut in half to show the bright red seeds, strawberries if they are in season, figs cut in half, or bright red tomatoes. or even sliced tomatoes. Be creative!
Then pick some crackers or chips. I was lucky to find these bright red tortilla chips, so I used these too. If you have chips add a white bean dip or even better a salsa! Put it in a red colored jar. Add a raspberry, strawberry or fig jam in a clear glass jar.
Last, you will want to use some garnish. I used fresh thyme leaves which don’t wilt and give the board an earthy, rustic vibe. Also, don’t forget to have some dark chocolate for a sweet treat. If you can dip some strawberries in chocolate, everyone loves those!! Assemble everything as artfully as possible. Start with the pizza, then place your cheeses, and add the crackers and fruit last. Be sure the fruit is completely dry. Garnish with thyme last. Enjoy! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Directions for hand dipped strawberries: melt some dark chocolate in microwave, mix, dip each strawberry until evenly coated with chocolate. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After 15 minutes the chocolate will harden and they will be ready to eat! Can store in frig for up to 1-2 days.