The picnic board, a new ritual for sunny days
Sometimes it doesn't take much to create a beautiful moment. Soft light at the end of the day, a blanket on the grass, a fresh drink... and a board to share. That's the spirit I had in mind when I prepared this picnic with a taste of spring and lightness.
Because they're friendly, visually appealing and easy to put together, appetizer boards are the ideal option for impromptu picnics, dinners with friends or shared moments. Here, I share with you my ideas, favorite ingredients and a few tips for creating a gourmet planchette that's beautiful and full of flavor - including a vegetarian version that's just as tasty.
The art of the well-thought-out board
A few simple principles
- Mix textures: crunchy, melting, soft
- Vary the colors to make it as pretty as it is tasty
- Add fresh, seasonal ingredients
- Provide at least one dip or sauce
Creating a successful board
Ingredient ideas
Cheeses: Gruyère, brie, comté, fresh goat's cheese, parmesan, feta, mozzarella, herb rolls
Charcuteries: Cured ham, sausage, coppa, dried meat, chorizo
Raw, marinated or grilled vegetables: Radishes, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms
Dried fruits: Apricots, figs, dates, walnuts, pistachios
Dips: Humous, tzatziki, guacamole, tapenade, eggplant caviar, fresh herb cheese
Breads and savoury cookies: Baguette, nut or fruit bread, crackers, focaccia, rosemary grissini, toasted pita bread
Extras and accompaniments: Olives, pickles, mustard, chutney, fresh herbs, edible flowers
And for a vegan version
Vegetable cheeses
Tofu or marinated tempeh
Raw, marinated or grilled vegetables
Hummus, tapenade, eggplant caviar, guacamole or pesto
Corn or vegetable chips, vegan crackers and sourdough bread
Dried fruits and oilseeds
Olives, pickles, mustard, chutney, fresh herbs, edible flowers
Tips and advice:
- Play with heights with small bowls for sauces, for example. This creates volume and makes the board more dynamic.
- Don't overload: a generous but well-organized tray is always more appetizing than a heap of food.
- Prepare at the last minute whenever possible to preserve the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients. Wrap carefully and add sauces and dips just before serving.
- If you can't transport the whole board (e.g. when walking or cycling), cut and prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them in airtight boxes. You'll be able to put it together on the spot in no time!
- Add a touch of freshness just before serving: a squeeze of lemon, a few aromatic herb leaves or a twist of the pepper mill - it'll make all the difference!