Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Remember back in the 1950s and 1960s when your parents -- or grandparents -- set up bowls of fruits, nuts and candies before their bridge night or holiday parties? Well, even if you don’t, I’ve been thinking about them recently as my kids have been getting into the retro movement that's so popular right now.
That got me wondering about how to update those bowls. Here’s my idea: In addition to, or instead of, a charcuterie board, what if we go to platters of fruits, nuts and candies? We’ve got a great selection of ready-to-serve choices at the Purple Onion and WV Marketplace. Along with a stop at The Wine Shop for cheeses and wine, you’ve got yourself a party!
And this no-cook plan follows right along with popular food and entertainment gurus who admonish us not spend our time making everything we’re serving our guests.
The plan is simple: Choose some companion items, like those we suggest here. Pull out a serving platter, a cutting board or that holiday tray you NEVER use, and set everything up.
Some combos we think could work include:
Peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds and honey
Pistachios, dates, yogurt-covered fruit or nuts
Cashews, dried cherries, cocoa nibs
Fresh fruits like oranges, pears, apples and grapes
The combinations are endless! You can choose what you want.
Almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts and peanuts are all great nut choices.
Raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, dates, mango, pineapple, cherries, apple chips and banana chips work well here.
Cocoa nibs, yogurt-covered nuts and fruits, chocolate-covered nuts, fruit and candy are great.
Some great cheese choices include brie, goat, sharp cheddar, mascarpone, Gouda, bleu and parmesan.
To add some additional flavor, add a small bowl of local honey, fig jam or any jam that adds zing to the party.
Add interesting crackers like seeded, whole grain, nut based or nut and fruit flavored.
Pretzels, breadsticks and crostini are great adds.
Finally, flourish the platter with some fresh, seasonal fruits like pears, oranges and apples.
Great, you say! But how do I put these all together?
Got that covered! The three most-popular fruit-and-nut-tray designs are river, wreath and jumble.
To build a river platter, run a flexible, curving line of one nut variety down the center of the platter. Along the sides, group the dried fruits, cheeses, toppings and sweets.
For the wreath, place a bowl of honey or jam in the center and add your fruit, nuts, cheeses around it. Think a circle of dates, then a circle of pistachios, a circle of yogurt-covered nuts, orange slices, cheeses and crackers.
Don’t overthink the jumbled tray! Pick an anchor item and then just display everything else around it. Maybe you’ll want to do circles or squares of each item.
With each tray, be sure to fill in gaps with fresh herbs or even edible flowers.
Set up small plates and forks, knives for the cheeses and spoons for the jams.
Not quite sure how to go about this? We are always glad to help you select the items for your board, make one for you, or put a special gift basket together for someone you think would enjoy it.
One last thing: If you decide you want to add some flair of your own, consider these quick-to-make, tasty favorites. You could make extra and send your guests home with a little jar or box of either – or both!
The Sweet and Spicy Maple Roasted Rosemary Cashews are addictive and ready in less than 30 minutes.
The Chocolate Bark with Fruit and Nuts recipe could simply be a mashup of some of the fruits and nuts you serve at the party. Let your taste buds be your guide on this recipe!
Now, set out your tray, put on your favorite holiday playlist and hang up your apron. This party’s started!
Allan Hathaway is the owner of The Purple Onion and WV Marketplace at Charleston’s Capitol Market.
