Blog– Tagged "Serving Boards"– Todd Alan Woodcraft

The Ultimate Bread and Cheese Board: A Regional Pairing Guide

Few things are as satisfying as the perfect marriage of fresh, warm homemade bread and a thoughtfully curated selection of cheeses to fire off all your senses. The complex flavors and textures of artisan bread pair beautifully with a variety of cheeses, making it the ideal base for an unforgettable cheese board.

To celebrate the diversity of American cheese-making, we’ve selected two standout cheeses from each of the four major regions of the U.S. that complement different types of bread.

Northeast

1. Jasper Hill Farm Harbison (Vermont) – This soft-ripened cheese has a rich, spoonable texture with hints of woodsy, sweet cream and mushroom. Spread it over a warm slice of rustic country bread for a decadent bite.

2. Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Vermont) – Aged to perfection, this crumbly yet creamy cheddar has nutty, caramelized notes that balance the mild acidity of a seeded baguette.

Southeast

1. Sweet Grass Dairy Green Hill (Georgia) – This bloomy rind cheese offers a buttery, mild flavor with a slight tang, making it a fantastic pairing for toasted ciabatta.

2. Sequatchie Cove Cumberland (Tennessee) – A semi-soft, washed-rind cheese with nutty and fruity undertones that elevate the rustic character of whole-grain bread.

Midwest

1. Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Wisconsin) – Inspired by alpine cheeses, this nutty, slightly sweet cheese has a firm texture that melts beautifully over a warm piece of sourdough alternative.

2. Prairie Breeze Cheddar (Iowa) – A well-aged white cheddar with a touch of sweetness and a crystalline crunch, offering a delightful contrast to a soft brioche or light wheat loaf.

West

1. Rogue River Blue (Oregon) – This award-winning blue cheese is wrapped in grape leaves soaked in pear brandy, giving it an earthy, slightly boozy depth that pairs excellently with dark rye bread.

2. Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam (California) – A triple-cream cheese with a luscious, buttery texture that complements a crisp baguette or buttery croissant.
Perfect Pairings for Your Bread and Cheese Board

To add a little life and colors to your board, consider a few of these accompaniments:

Condiments: Locally sourced honey for sweetness, fruit preserves such as fig or apricot jam for a touch of tartness, and whole grain mustard to enhance the savory depth of the cheeses.

Crunch: Toasted almonds, spiced pecans, or roasted hazelnuts for texture contrast, along with crispy artisan crackers or grissini breadsticks for an extra crunch.

Other fresh elements: Sliced apples and pears for a refreshing contrast, juicy grapes to balance the saltiness, crisp cucumber slices for a cool bite, and cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted bread and cheese board is an invitation to savor simple yet luxurious flavors. With your amazing homemade bread as the foundation, these regional cheeses will elevate your board and impress your guests. Whether you prefer the robust sharpness of aged cheddar or the creamy indulgence of a triple-cream brie, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone.

What’s your favorite cheese and bread combination?
Share your picks in the comments below!

Choosing the Right Charcuterie or Serving Board for Your Needs

Not all woods are created equal when it comes to food presentation. The type of wood you choose affects durability, stain resistance, and overall functionality. You may prefer a Hardwood over a softwood due to its strength and ability to resist knife marks. Some hard woods, however, offer unique advantages, such as repelling stains from fruits or resisting moisture from meats and cheeses.

Some people choose a softwood for serving or charcuterie board because they tend to be
lighter and easier to carry, making them ideal for gatherings or outdoor events. Additionally, reclaimed softwoods, such as old-growth fir, often have a unique backstory, adding character and history to the presentation. Softwoods can also offer a distinct, rustic aesthetic with beautiful grain patterns that enhance food displays. Lastly, they tend to be more affordable than hardwoods, making them an accessible option for those looking for a functional yet stylish board.

For both serving and charcuterie boards, some of the hardest woods include maple, walnut, and cherry. Maple is one of the most popular choices due to its durability and fine grain, which prevents deep grooves from knives. Walnut is slightly softer but adds a rich, dark color that enhances the visual appeal of food. Cherry, known for its smooth texture and tight grain, provides a durable and elegant surface that works well for serving various foods.

If you frequently serve berries, wine, or other colorful foods, choosing a wood that resists staining is essential. Maple, Teak and Cherry are excellent choices because their tight grain structure helps repel moisture and stains. Avoid porous woods like beech or open-grained oak, as they tend to absorb liquids and can become discolored over time.

Charcuterie boards need to handle moist and oily foods like cheeses and cured meats without absorbing flavors. Walnut and cherry are ideal because they have a fine, closed grain that resists moisture penetration. Additionally, hickory is a great alternative due to its hardness and resistance to moisture.

For those who prefer the aesthetic of softer woods or want to protect their boards from stains and moisture, using protective coverings are a great option. Decretive plates or wax paper are simple solutions that create a barrier between food and wood.

Additionally, parchment paper is excellent for preventing grease and moisture from seeping into the surface. Natural, non-toxic leaves such as banana leaves, fig leaves or corn husks (for a Latin flavor) can also be used as decorative and functional barriers, adding a unique presentation while protecting the wood from staining and moisture. Also, just remember that softer woods are more apt to get scratched or have cut marks from sharp knives- always make sure to use soft blade knives.

To Sum it Up:

Whether you need a versatile serving board or a dedicated charcuterie board, selecting the right wood ensures longevity and ease of use. If durability and knife resistance are top priorities, maple and walnut are great choices. For stain resistance, hard maple and cherry are excellent options. When placing meats and cheeses, opt for closed-grain woods like cherry or walnut to prevent unwanted moisture absorption.

If using softer or more porous woods, such as old-growth or reclaimed fir or beech, consider protective coverings as mentioned above, to maintain the boards appearance and functionality.

With the right board and precautions based on what you’re serving, your food presentations will look stunning while remaining practical and easy to maintain.

BEER BATTER FRIED ASPARAGUS w/ GARLIC AIOLI

OMGOODNESS these light and crisp Beer Batter Fried Asparagus with Garlic Aioli were absolutely incredible!!! I kind of figured these would turn out pretty good but I didn’t realize just how GOOD they were going to be!
These are a must-try for sure!

All served up on my new medium-size The Kitchen Wild Forest Collection serving board by Todd Alan Woodcraft

Fried Asparagus Ingredients:
1 cup Krusteaz tempura
1 cup Rogue Colossal Claude beer
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp pepper
Oil for frying

Directions:
Preheat oil to 375°
Mix all ingredients in a bowl, dip asparagus to coat evenly and deep fry until golden brown. Approximately 1 minute per side.

Garlic Aioli Ingredients:
3 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt
1/2 cup Mayo
1 Tbsp. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Directions:
With a mortar and pestle smash garlic with coarse sea salt until mixed into a smooth paste.
In a small mixing bow, add Mayo, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire and garlic mixture.
With a hand mixer, mix for approximately one minute.

Functional Natural Minimalism: Wood and Metal are back. Trends for 2020

Welcome to 2020. Part of the job of operating a design, production and retail company is watching trends in interior design and home decor. There are many major trends which we see coming on for the next 2 to 5 years, and some micro-trends which we won’t address since they’re short term. We’re looking for those trends of substance. Since wood comes in so many different grain patterns, colors and styles we are always on the look out to see what suits our clients and how we can adapt our current products to fit the longer term trends, avoiding short term changes and “craze”s.

One major trend, that is still on the go is Minimalism. We’re not talking about cleaning house and throwing away things you don’t need and living in a sterile environment akin to a hospital surgery suite. We’re seeing people living with less plastic clutter, but most importantly the home items they're purchasing have a form and function to them and are natural. Minimalism is often confused by people who think it’s little to nothing in product and size, and all straight lines.

There are a lot of Minimalist pieces with curved edges or natural edges made of either plastic, composite or natural materials, such as wood. Organic elements that are crafted are making a strong comeback for the next few years. Wood we predict, with its organic aesthetics- taking the environment and sustainability into account, will be a long term trend.

Many Mod and Minimalist pieces are being produced from engineered “glue lam” and cross-laminated timber. This was a hot trend starting in 2019 and we see this going far into the 2020’s.

Wood.

Wood is making a strong comeback into kitchens as people tire of disposable plastic products. This goes from flooring, walls, blocks and countertops. Comfortable looks inspired by nature that give small spaces an organic, natural and open feeling.

We’re seeing a long term trend of Maple, White Oak, French Oak, old growth reclaimed Vertical Grain Fir and Ash- all lighter woods, white or off-white blonde. These go well with some of the interior paint trends we’ve been seeing end of 2019 into 2020 and going into 2021 are- Purples, Pinks , Frosty blue and Pastels in all different shades.

We are also seeing a long term trend at the opposite end of the color spectrum for interior. Darker natural woods- such as Walnut, Roasted Oak, Mahogany and flame charred European and French Oak. All natural and without any staining, just a good clear protectant. Interior colors going with the darker woods from 2020 and beyond are Cobalt Blue, Clay Red, Sliver Gray and coming back for the next few years is a Mustard Yellow and Hunter and Jade Green.

Natural wood serving trays, cutting boards and serving boards of all these light and darker woods are desirable for many homeowners in their kitchens, replacing thin plastic or composite cutting and serving boards. Wood is a great economic way to add visual impact into a space.

Maybe you want a big KickAsh cutting board in your kitchen, something as simple artistic and rustic as a European Styled Charcuterie Board or something elegant and relaxed like a Reclaimed Vertical Grain Fir Ottoman Tray. We like Teak Wood, because it’s versatile and can tie in with a lighter or darker home environment. It looks good with a variety of popular and even timeless colors. We have a limited line of Plantation Teak Serving/Charcuterie Boards that would be great for a black and cobalt blue with white room -or- would go well with a frosty blue and white room as well. Metallics go well with Teak too.

Metal (and wood) Lighting

Metal lighting with natural wood accents is making an illuminated comeback this year and next for every room in the house in the form of table lamps. One popular style is Industrial lighting that’s a combination of vintage pieces picked from various era’s and paired with wood bases.

Industrial era lighting is different than what’s commonly called “Steam punk” style lighting, as Industrial is simple, clean and with little parts as possible. Steam punk has unneeded parts that mimic imagined steam powered recreations of modern pieces and can tend to look gaudy.

Industrial era lighting is merging existing materials, mixing various metals and wood to form something new with its own unique characteristics- industrial chic. Many of our customers are interested in the parts and woods they’re opening their homes to. We’re being asked about the backstory on the antique metal parts and reclaimed woods we’re incorporating into our deigns.

Two examples of Industrial era table lamps are our Raw Steel Industrial Edison Lamp on Figured Maple and Roasted Oak base and the one-of-a-kind Pipe Threader Edison Lamp we have on the Todd Alan Woodcraft site.

With Industrial Era lighting, we suggest incandescent Edison style light bulbs. Lamps with Edison bulbs provide essential brightness and give a room a feeling of warmth. Edison bulbs go great with the light colors this year, as well as the cooler darker colors.

Mod Lighting

Mod(ern) lighting is looking like it’s off to a great start in 2020. This iconic style features funky patterns combined with sophistication. Wood is another key component of this trend, as compared to the past 10 years, with metals and plastic. Retro designs feature sleek lines, simple forms and pairing those with creativity and imagination in accents.

A great example of Mod Lighting is our Polished Copper Grand Edison Floor Lamps in Vertical Grain Fir Base where the unique end-grain patterns of the lamp bases give way to the sleek copper pole, and features an oversized exposed Edison bulb. These lamps go well with a variety of up and coming popular colors on the light and dark ends of the spectrum.

Since table lamps are the thing it seems this year, we’ve been ahead of the trend with our Baltic Birch Framed Copper Lamp in Jatoba Base Minimalist lamp, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s a complex yet simple table lamp using a glue of Baltic Birch in the form of plywood as the frame holding a simple single light.

The atmosphere in a Mod inspired room should never be overwhelming with different elements. Mod is inspired by simplistic, futuristic art and each piece should be a work on its own. Mod lighting and Mod style goes well with lighter colors, allowing the pieces to “pop” and stand out. The lighter colors of wood in lamps work well in Pinks, Purples and pastels.

To sum it up, we look forward to the future and what growth and changes are in style, finish and materials are around the corner. We also look to the past, and how we can conceive new ideas from tried and true iconic styles.

Pick what you like since your personality is reflected in your style, color palette and design. Its your personal environment, your experience and inspiration, there is no one-size-fits-all element or trend. There are so many options in wood, metals and fun colors- have fun in 2020 adding a touch of adventure to your home!

Tag:
Serving Boards

Our Picks for Wine Pairings with Charcuterie

One of the great things about entertaining just isn’t a house full of loved friends and family, no, one of the great things is you get to show off your creative culinary skills and your knowledge of pairings and to make that... “friend” who always brags about good they are in the kitchen, or “Aunt Hilda” who’s always so critical of the spread of food and variety of wine… very envious!

So, with that- even if you’re not fully knowledgeable about pairings of Charcuterie components and a good bottle of Vino, we’re here to help you look like a rockstar!

Since we come from the Pacific Northwest, we’ve picked one of our favorite Northwest, Internationally known wineries to highlight for this blog: Argyle, located in Dundee Oregon.

“No other American winery but Argyle has earned recognition in Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World” in three wine categories: red, white and sparkling.” - argylewinery.com

All the wines mentioned in this blog are available on Argyle’s site ( for those of you 21 and over) and are just amazing, we know, we’ve tried them all! From the Floral and Fruity Pinot Noir to the slightly fruity and full-bodied Chardonnay Argyle wines are a great choice for any occasion.

Here are the selections of wine or sparkling we picked for pairings of cheese and different meats.

Argyle Spirit Hill Pinot Noir

Cheese: Gruyere

Meat: Pate (Chicken, Duck, Goose or Pork) or Foie gras with herbed crustini.

Argyle Rose Sparkling

Cheese: Chocolate Cream (Dairy or Goat) cheese, Mascarpone cheese

Meat: Ginger or Mint infused Pancetta and Roast beef bacon with a dollop of fig jam topped with a spot of creme fresh.

Argyle Brut Sparkling

Cheese: Camembert, Parmesan

Meat: Lardo (cured fatback) or Prosciutto

Argyle Knudsen Vineyard Blanc de Blancs

Cheese: Chèvre or a White Soft Brie style Cheese with Peppers (Chipotle, Jalapeño, Habanero)

Meat: Prosciutto.

Argyle Nuthouse Riesling

Cheese: Swiss fondu, Taleggio or an aged Manchego

Meat: A Lamb based meat product- slices of Fenalar (a Norwegian dried and cured leg of lamb).

Argyle Chardonnay

Cheese: Creamy Shropshire Blue Cheese or Sharp Cheddar

Meat: Cedar Plank Grilled Chilled Salmon or Chicken Salad Bites on Water Crackers.