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Butter Board with Cranberries and Pecans

This butter board is an easy and unexpected way to serve butter during the holidays. Inspired by viral boards, this seasonal version couldn't be simpler: Spread softened butter on a board of your choice, add dried cranberries, pecans, honey and thyme and serve with sourdough bread. Switch up the toppings according to your menu or your favorite ingredients and enjoy this recipe for holiday entertaining.
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Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 16 people
Course: lunch/dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 2161.4
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
  • Whole wheat or sourdough bread warmed, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl For loosening the butter.
  • 1 Rubber spatula or small spoon For stirring and spreading butter.
  • 1 Serving board A flat surface for presenting the butter.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Method
 

  1. Allow the butter to come to room temperature for at least 15 minutes, then stir in a bowl to loosen it so that it’s spreadable. Layer it in swirls on a small serving board, slowly spreading it over the entire surface. Instead of trying to spread the entire stick of butter at once, I recommend scooping 1 tablespoon at a time with a rubber spatula or small spoon and spreading each tablespoon on its own. It’s faster to spread this way and allows you to create little wells inside the butter.
  2. Sprinkle the cranberries, pecans and thyme on top of the butter swirls. Drizzle the honey over the butter and garnish with the flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with warm bread.

Notes

Achieving the correct butter consistency is paramount; allow ample time for it to soften naturally at room temperature, as forcing it can compromise texture. Using a rubber spatula to spread small portions of butter creates attractive swirls and 'wells' that perfectly cradle the toppings, enhancing both presentation and flavor distribution. Consider lightly toasting the pecans beforehand to deepen their nutty aroma and add an extra layer of crunch. This board is highly adaptable: experiment with different herbs like rosemary, other dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a savory kick. Always serve with freshly warmed bread to maximize the spreadability and overall experience.