Whether you’re decking the halls, or (in this case) decking your tables for all the summer soirées, we love the festivities (and food) of the holiday period. Hosting a Christmas get-together this year? Have your guests snack on one of these Christmas-themed party boards.  

Candy cane Caprese board 

Who says a salad needs to go in a bowl? This Caprese candy cane board makes for the cutest appetiser. This super easy board only needs a few ingredients, but instantly serves Instagram looks. You only need mozzarella cheese, tomato, and fresh basil leaves placed in the shape of a candy cane. Sprinkle some balsamic vinegar for some extra cheer and your candy cane is good to go.  

@charcuterie_n_things Day 3: Candy Cane Caprese Board This festive board is quite possibly the easiest to create—and it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Simply alternate slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes to form the iconic candy cane shape. Add some fresh basil and drizzle balsamic glaze and that is literally all you have to do! Pair it with crackers, a baguette, or enjoy it as is. Simplicity at its finest! #fyp #charcuterieandthings #charcuterieboard #cheeseboard #foodstyling #diy #candycane #capresesalad #mozzarella #christmas #christmasrecipes #holidayhosting ♬ Merry Christmas – Ed Sheeran & Elton John

Christmas tree board  

Why put your gifts under the tree when you can present a yummy board at your party? And it’s easier to make than you’d think! Start with the star at the top. If you’re going the savoury route, make a toasted cheese sandwich and cut it out in the shape of a star. Making a sweet board? A chocolate cake, waffle or even this delicious giant choc-chip cookie will do the trick. Then, create diagonal lines with an array of fruit, cheeses, crackers, meats, sweets or cakes, with each line longer than the one before. And voila! You’ve got yourself a Christmas tree.  

@jessiecostantino save this for your holiday party! #christmastree #christmastok #christmastiktok #charcuterie #christmasfood #holidayappetizer #christmasappetizers #apps #easyrecipes #holidayrecipe #christmasrecipe #holidaytiktok ♬ Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson

Edible wreath 

Start by getting a round platter or cutting board to arrange your wreath on. Decorate your ‘wreath’ with nuts, cut cheeses, meats, crackers and sauces. Since you are decorating your board in a circular shape, it’s easy to bunch each of these next to each other until it forms a circle. It’s quick and easy and the result is a yummy work of art.  

@dishedbykate The BESTTTT way to level up your Christmas cheese and charcuterie board Turn her into a GORG Christmas charcuterie wreath Juat layer your favorite cheese, cured meats, antipasti bits, relish, fruit and nuts in a wreath shape and you’re DONE!! #christmasfood #appetizers #partyfood #charcuterie #cheeseboard ♬ Its timeeeeeeee – Fundos Flop

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Ah, Valentine’s Day. You either love the romance, gifting and chocolates, or you absolutely despise the day. One thing’s for sure, no matter how you feel, there’s bound to be food involved! While you may not be the lovey-dovey type, there are still plenty of date ideas and all they take is some fresh ingredients and some time in the kitchen!

By Taryn Wilson

1. WINE & DINE

Heading out to fine establishment to enjoy a romantic meal with your other half may seem cliché but will still hold plenty of enjoyment (especially if the food is good). This route is slightly more extravagant, so you may want to add something small to give the date a personal touch. Make your own dessert to enjoy together at home after your meal for a sweet and intimate moment. Home-made Turkish delight will never fail!

2. PIZZA PICNIC

For something more casual, you can go for a simple treat with a scenic view. Enjoying a hot cheesy pizza on a rooftop or hill may be you and your partner’s preferred choice of ‘wining and dining’. The relaxed and peaceful setting will put you at ease and let you enjoy each other’s company in a special way. Also, did we mention that making your own pizza is amazing? There’s nothing like this ham, fig and Brie pizza.

3. A THEMED EVENING 

Forget the hearts and boxes of chocolates, be creative with dinner and opt for themed foods representing a common interest between you and your partner. You may both love superheroes and comics, or have a wicked taste for Halloween. Decorate your home and prep the meals in advance for a special and fun surprise. Not sure where to start? Try this Halloween-themed 3-course treat!

4. COOKING CLASS

Not only is it an indulgent time, but taking a cooking class with your other half is a fun and unique activity that you’ll both benefit from. The options are also endless – from sushi, decadent chocolate desserts and traditional African meals to wine-making, Asian cuisine and local treats with flair, you’re bound to find something you’ll both enjoy!

5. BRAAI NATION

Maybe you’d both rather skip the fancy and creative ideas and settle for something simple and cosy – a good old-fashioned braai! Enjoy a few drinks by the fireplace and make your favourite chops with a side salad and some braaied mealies for a lekker time. We recommend these pork chops with bacon jam and Cheddar for a sweet finish.

Image: Unsplash

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With the festive season past, it’s time to get back to the grind and find your balance in the new year. This 2019 it’s all about a healthy move towards sustainable and easy meals, and what better place to start than with back to work and school lunch ideas? Get our top picks below!

By Taryn Wilson

1. WRAPS

Fill them with your favourite ingredients and get going!
Try it: Protein powder wrap with chicken, sun-dried tomato hummus and watercress

2. SANDWICHES

Nothing beats a delicious BLT, and you can change up this classic to suit your taste buds.
Try it: Cheat’s hummus and bacon club sandwich

3. WHOLESOME SALADS

They’ve had a bad rep for a long time, but salads can be a super drool-worthy lunch if you find the perfect combination of ingredients and flavour.
Try it: Summer bread salad

4. SNACK ATTACH

Fruit, nuts, oat balls, eggs, veggies – the possibilities for healthy treats are endless and can make for an especially yummy lunch to look forward to.
Try it: Raw cookies, nectarines and jammy eggs pack

5. STIR FRY

Looking for something hot and with added flavour? Stir frys are versatile, flavoursome and a favourite when it comes to healthy dishes!
Try it: Soy-glazed chicken and exotic mushroom medley

The post Head to back to work or school with these yummy and exciting lunch ideas appeared first on MyKitchen.