So you’ve SURELY heard of this “grazing” trend, right? Sometimes referred to as eating off of “snacking boards”? Or even fancier… “charcuterie” (said with a snobby tone and french accent)?

This week I got a chance to chat with the hysterical and talented Erika Dibble, owner of Saratoga Grazing Co. Erika “curates” snacking boards for gatherings of any and every size. I asked Erika a bit about her business, and then she showed me first-hand how to put together the sweetest hot cocoa fixins’ platter, sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this winter.

WHY IS GRAZING SO “IN”? People have such fond memories of gathering around tables and eating with loved ones. She launched the business right before the pandemic, with this in mind. During this last year, she’s broadened her product options to begin offering a variety of smaller individualized trays, and… GET THIS… “jarcutierie.” (Same cute snacks but in a mason jar.) OBSESSED. So people can still “graze” while being socially distant.

WHAT VARIETIES OF BOARDS DO YOU OFFER? You name it, she does it. She makes sweet ones, savory ones, keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free… and the list goes on. I encourage you to check out her amazing IG page, featuring her works of art, for inspiration and ordering ideas! The current menu options are linked below.

HER BASIC TIPS FOR RE-CREATING THE TREAT PLATTER IN VIDEO:

A platter with slight lip makes arranging easier

Place ramekins first, for whips, dips and tiny treats

Arrange your largest items first, then your medium sized

Fill in spaces on the board with groupings of small items

Choose a variety of colors and textures. In this tray, we used:

• MnMs
• Heart sprinkles
• Large cup “topper” marshmallows
• Large seasonal sugar cookies
• A variety of medium-sized marshmallows
• Pirouline cookies
• Hershey kisses
• Conversation hearts, traditional and gummy
• Gummy XOXOs

Serve aside your favorite cocoa and whipped cream, and watch how wide those smiles are! Add a station with some mini bottles of your favorite liquors for a boozy variation and even wider smiles!

For a list of Saratoga Grazing Co.’s winter board options (customs available), check out the menu here. There is truly something for every occasion and size! Happy grazing!