Fruit: Pickled Apples, Poached Rhubarb, and Grapefruit

Vegetables: Pickled Asparagus, Pickled Onion, Roasted Bell Peppers, Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Pea Shoots, Parsley, Mint, Fresh Radish, Carrot Chips, Beet Chips

Preserves: Whole Grain Mustard, Local Fruit Preserves, Raw Honey, Herb Gremolata

Cheese: Gruyere, Sharp Cheddar, Goat Cheese (Plain), Goat Cheese (Herb and Garlic Encrusted), Brie

Nuts: Candied Walnuts or Pecans, Toasted and Sunflower Nuts

Grains/ Legumes: Sourdough Crackers, Red Fife Crackers, Pita Bread, Lavosh, Red Lentil Hummus

Plan your board ahead of time. Try to create bites that utilize four or all five of the categories in the ingredient options section. This way you know you have a cohesive board.

Start by choosing your pickled items. Two items are usually sufficient for a board. I personally like to pickle one fruit and one vegetable

Next, choose your preserves/ sauces/ dips. This could be anything from fruit preserves, to local honey, to a hummus or tzatziki. Try to choose items that will compliment several of the other ingredients. I usually use 3-5 types.

The day of making the board:

• Slice your fresh fruit, vegetables, and cheese.

• Toast or candy your nuts. Maybe add a few spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika

• Make 1-3 types of crackers or breads ( pita or crostini)

• Pick herbs and shoots right before you serve the platter so they are as fresh as possible

Because these types of platters/ boards are typically served cold, they are not great for our digestion according to Ayurveda. If you are put in the situation where you have to make one or are offered one at a party, the following information will help you choose the best items for your constitution.

Vata: For pickles and seasoned nuts, try adding fennel, cumin, or coriander seeds. Try staying away from astringent, spicy, or bitter food items.

Pitta: Consume cooling and anti-inflammatory foods like dairy products, melon, turmeric, and fresh herbs. Stay away from super salty and sour (fermented) food items.

Kapha: Include spicy items and all the cooked/ fresh vegetables. Try staying away from sweet, salty, and sour food items.