Boards and Bites

“There’s no doubt that thoughtfully curated charcuterie boards are having a moment. In this book, Francis uses her wildest imagination to create delicious and attractive boards for parties, then breaks down her process to teach readers how to do the same. She started making charcuterie boards when she was a child to contribute to family gatherings and parties and sees boards as the perfect place to gather and connect. Throughout the book, with lots of photos, graphs, charts, and even a color wheel, Francis provides food styling tips and demonstrates how to use seasonal food, flowers, and herbs to create boards that satisfy all five senses. She also provides a time line, grocery list, and organizing tips to create a successful event. There are recipes for homemade dips and spreads and instructions for how to decorate a board for Christmas, Easter, or a spooky Halloween. There is even a section on ‘pupchuterie‘ boards for dogs. VERDICT: This book is a feast for the eyes. Perfect for home entertainers or professional party planners who want to go the extra mile to create a memorable charcuterie board.—Erin Dagenais.”—Erin Dagenais, Library Journal

Melissa Francis is the face behind the boards featured on her ever-growing IG platform @boardsbymelfran and is the author of Boards and Bites. In January 2020, charcuterie boards became her creative outlet and a way to bring her family and friends together in a meaningful way. Melissa received her Masters of Science from Chapman University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2021. She is currently a practicing Speech and Language Pathologist and loves what she does and the individuals she works with.