At Heart Cottage Lane, we have some lovely boards made from wood and marble in different shapes and sizes
They make a great centrepiece and, as discussed in a previous blog post, they are perfect for a cheese/charcuterie board.
We are all for multiple uses for certain items (stay posted for further ideas) and have found something else they are perfect for – butter!!
We know by now that I’m all for a no cook dish – whether you're hosting in London, Dubai, or anywhere in between, a butter/cheese board is a perfect addition to a dinner party or a casual gathering as a pre-dinner appetiser.
I know it might sound strange, but trust me on this, a butter board is a simple, elegant way to present something as normal as butter, in a way that can be a flavour symphony as well as a feast for the eyes.
What do I need to make a butter/cheese board?
Firstly, you need a board. We would recommend the Large Olive Wood Board 50-60 cm if you are serving a large crowd, or the round Wood and Marble Cheese Board for a smaller, intimate gathering.
Secondly, and most importantly, is good quality butter/cheese. We all know everything is better with butter so picking a good quality butter will definitely elevate this condiment.
I would opt for a salted butter and when you are ready to start assembling the board, it will need to be at room temperature with a spreadable consistency, but still firm- ideally stored in a butter dish until it's ready to use.
Finally, you need your toppings and some warm, crusty bread plus some side plates and knives - although the point of a butter board is to just get your bread and dip in!
How to make it?
- Grab your board and spread the butter on it. It is not meant to be neat so don’t try to make it pretty – the toppings will do that part (If you have a large board then I recommend doing a selection of butter and toppings. Spread the butter into different sections on the board and then top with different flavours – maybe some sweet and some salty?
- Add your toppings (suggestions listed below)
- Toast a baguette or some bagels, slice and serve alongside the butter board. Crackers would also go well with it
Suggestions for toppings
- Chilli paste and hot honey
- Fig jam, hot honey and chopped walnuts
- Soft, dried cranberries, pistachios, honey, orange zest
- Roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, red chilli flakes
- Prosciutto & arugula with figs, balsamic vinegar and chopped walnuts
- Pre-roasted chopped pistachios & chopped walnuts, honey, cinnamon and sea salt flakes for a baklava flavour
- Peanut butter board – perfect for kids! You can smear some smooth peanut butter on the board, top with chocolate chips, crushed up lotus biscuits and serve with Graham crackers or Apple wedges (there is nothing better than peanut butter and apple!)
The list is endless – whatever toppings you like you can add and come up with some flavourful combinations.
We would love to see what combinations you have come up with – please send us a picture and tag us!