By Vanessa Salvia

Have you heard of butter boards? Even if you haven’t seen one in person you have likely encountered pictures of the culinary phenomenon online. The butter board has many of the same elements of a charcuterie board but with a big difference — flavored butter is artfully spread onto a cutting board, and the whole thing is served with slices of bread or crackers for swirling into it. Unlike traditional charcuterie, which typically calls for a visit to the specialty counter of the market, butter boards can be made with things you probably already have on hand.

First, thickly smear the board with plain or flavored butter, then add your toppings. In this case, halved fresh figs are drizzled with honey, then topped with red onion, walnuts, and lavender flowers.
Butter is a canvas for almost any type of flavor. Here, keep it simple and fresh with herbs, microgreens, and honey with toasted baguette.
Butter can be lively and still simple with fresh herbs, lemon zest, parmesan cheese, and flaky sea salt.
Everyone loves charcuterie boards because they offer easy grazing opportunities with a variety of flavors. But your younger friends or kids may not enjoy the traditional meat and cheese platter. Give them something they won’t be able to resist with a candy charcuterie! Make it yourself from a variety of candies or purchase one already made from Coburg Candy Company that can be customized with candies of your choice.

The trend started with butter, but flavored cream cheese or hummus also work. Use fruit, jam, fresh herbs, or your favorite seasoning blend. If your kids like peanut butter and honey with apples, try that. Or vegetables and a thick yogurt dip. A shallow dish can be used in place of a cutting board, and if you desire variety you could make multiple different small presentations. This snack is so versatile, you can use your imagination to take the butter board into new realms.