There are times I just can’t figure out what to serve after a meal. I want to do something that will give my guests a choice, but how to do that is a conundrum at times.
Then I had a brainstorm. Why not a variation on a cheese board using chocolate. A chocolate tasting board with a variety of chocolates, different sauces or spreads along with other items that would complement a variety of chocolates sounded like a fun thing to create.
I went to work on my Chocolate Tasting Board idea and this is what I came up with.
Chocolate Tasting Board
Suggested Ingredients: The size of the board and quantity of ingredients will dictate the number of people it will serve.
- Milk chocolate
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Two types of small cookies/wafers of choice
- 1 Small bowl of fresh fruit such as raspberries, blueberries or blackberries
- 1 Small bowl of peanut butter
- 1 Small bowl of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts
- 1 Small bowl of marshmallow creme
- 1 Small bowl of jam or caramel sauce of your choice
Tools:
- 1 Large platter
- 5 Small bowls
- 3 Condiment spreaders
- Small hors d’oeuvres plates etc.
- 2 Square paper doilies
- Selected dessert wine and glasses
Directions:
Place two square paper doilies on the large rectangle platter. See the diagram below for placement of ingredients. As you can see from the diagram I provided, I arranged the ingredients in a linear form. This makes it easier for guests to grab what they desire. I also provided hors d’oeuvres plates and napkins to allow my guests the ability to put together any kind of combination they wanted.
Wine Pairing Suggestions: This 
Carvalho Family Winery Five Barrel Tawny Port was the perfect match with this Chocolate Tasting Board. Stay tuned for more on the dessert wine.
“Aromas: Fig, maple, dried fruit – Flavors: Fig, caramel, toasted hazelnut, raisin – Mouthfeel: Sweet and smooth.”
Another good wine choice would be Saint James Raspberry Dessert Wine, or maybe a sparkling wine such as Risata Moscato d’Asti.
Notes: The above combinations are only suggestions. Try a variety of combinations to find what suits you. For fun, another idea to consider is offering a variety of chocolates with the same cocoa content from different chocolatiers to compare the different tastes. The opportunities for creativity for this Chocolate Tasting Board are endless.
This Chocolate Tasting Board was a hit and it couldn’t have been easier to put together. It was fun watching my guests to see what they selected and what they liked best. When I added the dessert wines to the mix, there were many smiles and much laughter, a pleasant way to end any meal.
Time to eat…
If you enjoyed my “Chocolate Tasting Board,” check out my Chocolate Pots, Chocolate & Wine Pairing, and Chocolate Mousse Pie In A Jar.
P.S. Take a moment to check some of the tools I used for this “Chocolate Tasting Board” below. 🙂