Why a Drinking Board with Chocolate is a Must-Have for Your Next Event

In the hustle and bustle of organizing an event, it can be a challenge to present something unique and unforgettable to your guests. You want to surprise them and at the same time create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. The emerging trend of chocolate snack platters offers a perfect solution. In this blog post, you will discover why this sweet treat is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a must-have for your next gathering. We share the benefits, inspiring variations and handy tips so that you can create an irresistible snack platter that will take both your guests and your events to the next level.

The allure of chocolate

Chocolate has a captivating appeal that has brought people of all ages together for generations. The combination of flavors, textures, and rich history make chocolate an irresistible treat. In this section, we explore the psychological and emotional effects of chocolate, as well as the different types available.

Psychological and Emotional Effects

Mood Booster

Chocolate is known for its ability to improve mood. This effect is largely due to the presence of substances such as theobromine and phenylethylamine, which stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain. This can lead to a feeling of happiness and well-being.

Practical example:

• Lindt 70% Pure Chocolate: This premium chocolate contains a high percentage of cocoa, which contributes to the production of endorphins. Many consumers report an improved mood after consuming this chocolate.

Strengthening Connectedness

Chocolate also plays an important role in social interactions. Sharing chocolate can create a sense of connection between friends and family. This makes it an ideal gift for special occasions or as a token of appreciation.

Practical example:

• Tony's Chocolonely: This brand is known for its social mission and offers a wide range of flavors. Sharing a bar of Tony's Chocolonely at a gathering can not only improve the atmosphere, but also stimulate conversations about sustainability and fair trade.

Types of Chocolate

There are several types of chocolate available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Below we discuss the most popular varieties:

Dark Chocolate

• Features: Rich in cocoa, less sugar.
• Advantages:
  • Contains antioxidants that may contribute to better health.
  • Ideal for those who prefer an intense chocolate flavour.

Practical example:

• Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate: With a high cocoa content, this chocolate offers an intense taste experience without added artificial ingredients.

Milk chocolate

• Features: Creamy and sweet, with powdered milk or condensed milk.
• Advantages:
  • Often loved by children and adults who prefer a milder taste.
  • A good choice for making desserts or adding to hot drinks.

Practical example:

• Cadbury Dairy Milk: This milk chocolate is a classic and is often used in various sweet recipes, from brownies to chocolate fondue.

White Chocolate

• Features: Does not contain cocoa mass, but does contain cocoa butter, sugar and milk.
• Advantages:
  • A creamy and sweet taste that goes well with fruits and other desserts.

Practical example:

• Ghirardelli White Chocolate Baking Chips: Perfect for making cookies or topping cupcakes, these chips provide a delicious sweetness.

Comparison of Chocolate Types

Chocolate not only offers a pleasurable taste experience, but also a range of emotional benefits. Whether it’s improving mood or strengthening social bonds, chocolate remains a beloved product that brings people together.

Creative Combinations for your Snack Board

A chocolate snack platter is a great opportunity to surprise your guests with a variety of flavors and textures. Below, we discuss how to pair chocolate with other snacks, and suggest dips and toppings that will take the experience to the next level.

Chocolate and Nuts

Nuts are a perfect complement to chocolate, providing both a crunchy texture and a rich flavor. Try these combinations:

• Dark Chocolate and Almonds: The bitter taste of dark chocolate goes very well with the sweet, nutty taste of almonds. A must try is the Tony's Chocolonely Pure Chocolate in combination with Amor Almonds.
• Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts: The creamy taste of milk chocolate goes perfectly with the earthy flavours of hazelnuts. Try Lindt Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts for a decadent treat.
• White Chocolate and Pistachios: The sweetness of white chocolate combined with the salty, rich flavor of pistachios makes this combination irresistible. Look forward to Côte d'Or White Chocolate together with Pistachio nuts from the Nut Shop.

Chocolate and Dried Fruit

Dried fruit adds a natural sweetness and chewy texture to your snack platter. Consider these combinations:

• Milk Chocolate with Dried Strawberries: The combination of sweet milk chocolate and slightly sour dried strawberries is a real taste explosion. Try Montezuma's Milk Chocolate of Dried Strawberries from The Nuts Factory.
• Dark Chocolate with Dried Mango: The tropical taste of dried mango goes perfectly with the intense taste of dark chocolate. A must try is Green & Black's Organic Dark Chocolate of Tropical Dried Mango from Koko's.

Chocolate and Cheese

Chocolate and cheese are a surprising combination that works perfectly. Here are some suggestions:

• Dark Chocolate with Blue Cheese: The powerful flavor of blue cheese goes very well with the bitter taste of dark chocolate. Try Valrhona Dark Chocolate of Roquefort cheese.
• Milk Chocolate with Brie: The creaminess of brie combined with the sweetness of milk chocolate makes this combination special. Häagen-Dazs Milk Chocolate in combination with a fine Brie de Meaux is an excellent choice.

Dips and Toppings

To make the snack platter even more appealing, you can add different dips and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Caramel dip: A rich caramel dip, like Nestlé Dulce de Leche, goes perfectly with both chocolate and nuts.
• Fruit puree: A fresh raspberry or mango puree can be a great addition. Try Alpro fruit puree for a natural and tasty addition.
• Chili Chocolate: For the adventurous eater, add a chili chocolate sauce, such as Chili Chocolate Sauce from Green & Black's, for a spicy kick.

Example of a Snack Board Setup

These creative combinations make your snack platter not only more attractive, but also more versatile. With the right selection of chocolate and matching snacks, dips and toppings, you give your guests an unforgettable experience.

The Perfect Presentation of your Snack Board

A snack platter is more than just a collection of delicacies; it is a visual spectacle that stimulates the senses. An attractive presentation can make the difference between a simple snack moment and a memorable experience. Below you will find some tips to perfectly present your snack platter with chocolate.

Choose the Right Scales

The choice of bowls is essential to the overall look of your snack board. Variation in shapes and materials can create a dynamic effect. Consider using:

• Wooden planks: A beautiful, rustic look. An example is the Bamboo Cutting Board from Hema, which is perfect for presenting chocolate and other delicacies.
• Ceramic bowls: These are ideal for serving liquid chocolate or dips. Think of the Marius Kom Set from IKEA, which adds an elegant touch.
• Glass bowls: These give a modern look and are perfect for displaying colorful chocolate bonbons. The NORDEN Glass Bowl from HEMA is an excellent choice.

Create Visual Balance

A well-balanced presentation draws attention and makes everything look inviting. Consider the following tips:

• Color contrasts: Use chocolate in different colors and flavors, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. Brands such as Tony's Chocolonely and Droste offer a range of options.
• Height variation: Place items at different heights to add depth to your presentation. This can be done by using small stands or by placing certain ingredients in bowls while others are on the shelf.
• Group: Group similar items together. For example, you can do this by creating a section for different types of chocolate (for example, pralines from Pastry shop de Witte), and another section for savory snacks like nuts or cheese.

Strategic Placement of Ingredients

The way you arrange your ingredients can greatly enhance the appeal of your snack platter. Follow these guidelines:

• Main ingredients first: Start by placing the largest and most eye-catching items, such as a large chocolate fountain of Wilton, which can serve as a center.
• Fill in the empty spaces: Fill holes with smaller items such as chocolate chips or dried fruit from Sunny FruitsThis creates a full and inviting appearance.
• Use garnishes: Decorative elements such as mint leaves or edible flowers can add color and freshness. Brands such as Edible Flowers offer a range of options.

Sample Drinking Board

Here's a suggestion for an attractive chocolate snack platter:

With these tips, you can create a snack platter that is not only tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. It is the perfect way to spoil your guests and give them an unforgettable experience.

The perfect sweet addition to any occasion!

In conclusion, a chocolate snack platter is an essential addition to any event you are hosting. Not only does it create a delicious taste experience, it also promotes social interaction between your guests. By choosing a diverse selection of chocolate and matching treats, you can create a visual and culinary highlight that is sure to impress. Therefore, definitely consider offering a chocolate snack platter at your next event.