Host any size event with ease, whether it’s a big holiday gathering or a picnic for two, with this fun, flexible cookbook featuring 100 recipes from charcuterie board guru Sandy Coughlin (@reluctantentertainer).
As the original Big Board influencer, Sandy Coughlin reimagined the charcuterie board as a stunning surface for special occasion spreads, family get-togethers, delicious desserts, and more. Now, she expands her repertoire with individual recipes for any occasion, large or small, indoors or out.
Organized by season and size of gathering and including gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based options for customizable convenience, Reluctant Entertainer’s Big Boards and More will spark your culinary imagination with the endless possibilities of boards.
Elements include:
Seasonal celebrations and special days: For holidays, weddings, or just a birthday bash, try Winter Solstice Charcuterie Board, Baked Brie Dinner Board, Broiled Al Pastor Tacos, Tiramisu French Toast, Fudgy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, and more.
International inspiration for the curious cook: Regional recipes from around the world to light your travel fuse, including Baba Ghanoush with Poblano Chilies, Tikka Masala Tender Bowls, Miso Parmesan Udon Noodles, and Caffe Mingo’s Sugo di Carne.
Just close friends: Smaller boards for 2–4 people, whether it’s date night or game night, such as Roasted Apple Crispy Prosciutto Crostini, Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onions and Chicken Thighs, Corn Bacon and Cheddar Waffles, and Pear Puff Pastry Tart.
The great outdoors: Portable, sustainable recipes for camping, road trips, and outdoor entertaining all year round, including Warming Hut Brothy Quinoa Bowls Board, Hot Chocolate Firepit Board with Buttermilk Rough Puff Pastry Ribbons, and Poolside Pina Colada Poptail Board.
Whether you’re a board enthusiast already or a first-time host, Reluctant Entertainer’s Big Boards and More has everything you need to make a serious splash—all year round.
Reluctant Entertainer's Big Boards and More is a well written guide with recipes by Sandy Coughlin for removing as much of the fuss and stress as possible planning a gathering. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Quarto on their Fair Winds Press imprint, it's 216 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The book is well organized with an easy to understand format. The board selections are arranged seasonally in two main sections: Spring & Summer, and Fall & Winter. Boards are arranged further with relevant recipes arranged with the boards they're a part of. All the recipes are listed in the comprehensive table of contents (it's -very- detailed and well arranged). Boards are listed as being more appropriate for small gatherings (2-4 people) or for feeding larger crowds.
All of the recipes contain a basic introduction, ingredients in a sidebar bullet list, followed by step by step prep directions. Ingredients are listed in imperial (American) units with metric measurements in parentheses (yay!!). Most ingredients will be easily obtainable from any moderately well stocked grocery store in North America. Some few might require a trip to an international type market. Alternative ingredients and preparation tips are provided in text boxes. Nutritional information isn't provided.
The photography is excellent and all the dishes are pictured in the spread photos. The food is well styled and serving suggestions are attractive and appropriate. Most of the individual recipes are also accompanied by one or more color photos.
Four and a half stars. I love boards and buffet style entertaining and this is an excellent and (more importantly) usable book. This would be an excellent selection for public library acquisition, hostess gift, or home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
