In these times, where we are increasingly conscious of our spending, it can be a challenge to organize a cozy evening without breaking the bank. A snack platter offers the perfect solution: it is not only a feast for the senses, but also an opportunity to enjoy delicious treats together. In this blog post, we will help you put together a budget-friendly snack platter for two. You will discover how to create a versatile and tasty experience with a few simple ingredients, so that you can enjoy together without breaking your budget. Let's get started together!
What is a Borrelplank?
A borrelplank is a popular way to serve various snacks and treats, often at social gatherings. The idea behind a borrelplank is for friends, family or colleagues to come together to enjoy a selection of food and drinks, with the emphasis on sharing the dishes. This tradition has its origins in Dutch culture, where eating small snacks with drinks is a common way to relax and be together.
Typical Elements of a Snack Board
A snack board usually consists of a variety of ingredients that are presented next to each other. The choice of products can vary, but there are some elements that often return:
Cheese
Cheese is an indispensable part of every snack platter. Some popular Dutch cheeses are:
- Gouda: This cheese is available in different stages of maturation, from young to old, and offers a variety of flavors.
- Edam: Lighter in taste and also available in different maturations.
- Brie: A soft French cheese often added for a creamy texture.
Meats
Cold cuts add a savory component to the snack platter. Some common cold cuts are:
- Salami: A dried sausage that can be cut into thin slices.
- Prosciutto: A fine Italian ham often served with melon.
- Chorizo: This Spanish sausage has a spicy taste and can be served in slices or cubes.
Dips and Sauces
Dips are a great way to enhance the flavors of your ingredients. Some popular dips include:
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from chickpeas, ideal for vegetables.
- Guacamole: An avocado dip that goes perfectly with tortilla chips.
- Tzatziki: A fresh Greek dip based on yoghurt and cucumber.
Vegetables
To give the drinks platter a healthy twist, various vegetables are often added:
- Cherry tomatoes: For a sweet bite.
- Cucumber: Refreshing and crisp.
- Bell pepper: For a colorful presentation and a sweet taste.
Nuts and Olives
Nuts and olives provide extra texture and flavor:
- Mixed nuts: A mix of almonds, cashews, and pecans.
- Olives: Both green and black olives add a salty flavor.
Social and Culinary Aspects of a Snack Platter
Serving a snack platter is not only a culinary experience, but also a social occasion. Sharing food promotes interaction and conversation between guests. A snack platter invites an informal atmosphere and offers the opportunity to taste different flavors without it having to be a formal meal.
Sample Drinking Board
Below you will find an example of what a drinks platter could look like:
| Element | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese | Gouda cheese (old) | Beemster |
| Meats | Salami | Pillerse |
| Dips | Hummus | Dipz |
| Vegetables | Cherry tomatoes | Organic |
| Nuts | Mixed nuts | Natural meadow |
| Olives | Greek olives | Delicate |
This combination of products not only makes for a visually appealing presentation, but also offers a wide range of flavors and textures that everyone will appreciate.
A snack platter is more than just a collection of snacks; it is an invitation to enjoy, taste and share together in a cozy setting. It is a perfect way to celebrate a social event, whether it is a birthday party, an after-work drink or an informal gathering with friends.
Budget Friendly Ingredients
A snack platter doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart choices, you can create an attractive and tasty selection of snacks without breaking your budget. Below, we’ll discuss some tips for choosing budget-friendly ingredients, including seasonal produce, local markets, and cheaper alternatives to expensive ingredients.
Seasonal Products
Seasonal products are often cheaper and fresher. By using these ingredients you can not only save money, but also enjoy the best flavors.
Examples of Seasonal Ingredients:
- Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers and radishes are usually cheaper in the summer months.
- Fruit: Strawberries, raspberries and apples are often in abundance in season, making them more affordable.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley and basil are often cheaper in summer than in winter.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets can be a great way to save money. You can often find fresh produce at lower prices and support local farmers and businesses at the same time.
Benefits of Local Markets:
- Freshness: Products are often freshly harvested and therefore taste better.
- Price: Prices are often lower than in the supermarket, especially for seasonal products.
- Diversity: You will discover unique local products that you will not find in the supermarket.
Cheaper Alternatives to Expensive Ingredients
When you are putting together a snack platter, you don't have to stick to the most expensive options. There are plenty of alternatives that are just as tasty.
Alternatives to Expensive Cheese and Meat Products:
| Sustainable Product | Budget Friendly Alternative |
|---|---|
| Brie or Camembert | Puffed or grilled brie from the brand Burgundian |
| Parmesan cheese | Ground Italian cheese from Casa Ricci |
| Prosciutto or Parma ham | Italian salami from Salumi |
| Blue vein cheese | Cheap variant, such as blue cheese from Dutch Cheese |
Tasty and Affordable Combinations
Here are some suggestions for tasty, yet affordable combinations that you can use on your drinks platter:
- Vegetables with Hummus: Use seasonal vegetables, such as carrots and peppers, and serve them with homemade hummus. For the hummus, you can use the brand Alfo use, which is affordable and tasty.
- Cheese and Crackers: Choose a mix of inexpensive cheeses, such as young matured cheese from Old Amsterdam, and combine them with simple crackers from Lu or Tuc.
- Cold cuts with rolls: Serve slices of cheap salami or dried sausage from Swan Mountain on small rolls or buns. This makes it easy to share.
By applying these tips, you can create a snack platter that is not only appealing, but also easy on your wallet. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can create an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.
Creative Presentation of the Snack Board
A snack platter is not just a collection of tasty snacks, but can also be a true work of art. By paying attention to the presentation, you make the experience for your guests even more special. Here are some creative ideas to make your snack platter attractive, with simple and inexpensive decorations and serving methods.
Choice of Plates and Bowls
The basis of an attractive snack board starts with the choice of plates and bowls. By combining different materials and shapes, you can create a visually interesting presentation.
- Wooden Cutting Boards: These give a rustic and cozy look. For example, consider the Boska Flexa Wooden Snack Board, which is perfect for presenting various types of cheese and cold cuts.
- Colorful Tableware: Use plates in different colors and patterns. The Iittala Teema collection offers a range of colours that you can combine for a playful look.
- Glass Bowls: By using glass bowls you can create depth. The Bodum Bistro Glass bowls are ideal for serving dips, nuts or olives.
Playful Layout
The layout of your snack platter can make a big difference. Here are some tips to make the presentation more appealing:
- Height difference: Use bowls of different heights to create depth. For example, place a larger bowl on a stand and place smaller bowls around it.
- Color combinations: Make sure you have a good balance of colors. For example, add brightly colored vegetables like cherry tomatoes and carrot sticks next to neutral colors like cheese and crackers.
Adding Color with Fruits and Vegetables
Adding color with vegetables and fruits not only makes your drinks platter more attractive, but also healthier.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Think bell peppers, cucumbers and radishes. These can be cut into fun shapes for added flair. Use the Zyliss Julienne Snijder to make beautiful vegetable strings.
- Fruit in Pieces: Cut different types of fruits such as melon, kiwi and strawberries into bite-sized pieces. The OXO Good Grips Watermelon Slicer makes cutting watermelon easy and safe.
Decorative Accents
Decorative accents can complete the presentation of your snack board. Here are some ideas:
- Herbs and Flowers: Use fresh herbs such as rosemary or mint for a fragrant and aesthetic addition. Edible flowers, such as pansies or nasturtiums, can also add a beautiful touch.
- Thematic Decorations: Depending on the occasion, you can add themed decorations, such as small flags or a mini fence. The Silikomart Mini Cake Topper Set offers a variety of fun decorations for every occasion.
Example of a snack board
Here's an example of how to put together an attractive drinks platter:
| Element | Products / Brands |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Old Amsterdam old cheese, Leerdammer young matured |
| Meats | Black Pata ham, Salami from Fiorucci |
| Dips | Hummus from Alpro, guacamole from Wholly |
| Vegetables | Cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber |
| Fruit | Strawberries, grapes, melon cubes |
| Nuts | Mixed nuts from Nuts About You |
| Chips | Tortilla chips from Doritos |
By applying these tips and ideas, you can create a snack platter that is not only delicious, but also a feast for the eyes. Every guest will be impressed by your creativity and attention to detail!
Enjoy a wonderful evening without breaking the bank
In conclusion, a budget-friendly snack platter for two is absolutely achievable with the right approach. By using local ingredients and being creative with what you already have, you can create a tasty and attractive presentation without breaking the bank. Get inspired by the tips in this blog post and enjoy a delicious snack experience that is both friendly to your wallet and your taste buds.
