The Holidays Aren’t Complete This Year Without a Hot Cocoa “Charcuterie” Board

First, there was the charcuterie board — beautiful arrangements of meats and cheeses to please the eye and the palate. Then, as the longstanding European tradition gained popularity in the age of American Instagram, suddenly the simple, understated tones and flavors needed a boost, and the idea of charcuterie boards got adapted to nearly any kind of snack. While charcuterie moved over to take on the gingerbread house, we saw candy take over the charcuterie board at Halloween, and now creative cooks have figured out a way to celebrate the season with hot chocolate charcuterie boards, reports Eating Well.

Hot cocoa, that winter classic with oh-so-many variations, gives any chilly afternoon a feeling of festivity and brings a nugget of nostalgia to even the hardest of hearts. And one of the most fun parts of the drink is dressing it up to fit the moment and customize it to your exact tastes. One way to get high-end with your hot chocolate is the trendy chocolate bomb (great for a DIY holiday gift!). But the latest vision of the perfect presentation of hot chocolate comes in platter form. 

Like the original charcuterie-based platter, the key to making it both attractive and useful is lots of variety in flavor, size, and color. First, there’s the many kinds of chocolate to stir in, then there are spices like cinnamon sticks — which give height to the board. Candies like peppermints or candy canes add a little flavor, while marshmallows of various sizes and colors add flair. Cookies for dipping or snacking bring another element, while sprinkles, extracts, or even shots of liquor can add a cool finishing touch. Just make sure whatever’s on the platter, the warm milk is close at hand for mixing up your mugs.