Think Outside The Charcuterie Board With These Fresh Ideas

seafood platter charcuterie board ideas

Charcuterie boards can be easy enough to throw together for last-minute guests and elaborate enough to create for a fancy feast. If you want to mix it up beyond the typical salami and cheese pairings, there's a fun new book from (our fave) America's Test Kitchen called Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatheringsby Elle Simone Scott. The book is chock-full of inspiration for party boards, from breakfast taco boards and game day spreads to cocktails and dessert boards. Scott gives us the freedom to get creative and tailor our boards to our favorite people and the reason for gathering. (BTW, check out our Butter Board inspo too!)

Vegetarian friends coming over? Try this Spring Crudite board with colorful veggies and dips (hold or don't hold the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus).

Hosting a World Series party or Super Bowl Sunday? Try the Ballpark Board, with hotdogs, homemade pretzels (there's an Oktoberfest Board too), and all the fixings. CrackerJacks are a playful touch.

Also great for game day: Serve a board of wings for your sporty guests with an array of sauces. Scott provides tips below!

Wing Sauces

Each sauce makes about 3/4 cup. But half the fun of the board is trying out different flavors, so go ahead and make more than one—you’ll find plenty of ways to use up the extra sauce.

All sauces, except for buffalo, can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Buffalo Wing Sauce

Classic buffalo sauce is made with Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce.

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon molasses

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

Smoky Barbecue Wing Sauce

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon minced canned ­chipotle chile in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

Mango Chutney Wing Sauce

  • 3/4 cup mango chutney
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest

Whisk all ingredients together in bowl.

For your next boozy bunch, get creative with this ultimate Bloody Mary Board served with shrimp, celery, olives, Tabasco sauce, even Black Pepper Candied Bacon (recipe in book). Don't forget the cocktail skewers!

Alongside your Bloody Mary Board could be a Breakfast Taco Board, complete with jalapeños, avocado, and fresh salsa.

We love this sweet and savory Dessert Cheese Board for the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Years. So pretty! Check out Scott's recipe below for a variety of homemade candied nuts to make it extra special.

Skillet Candied Nuts

Makes about 1 cup

I keep these in my pantry at all times. Besides adding rich ­flavor and crunchy texture to the dessert cheese board, ­candied nuts make a special topping for ice cream (or ­oatmeal)—or a great little snack all on their own.

You can use any variety of nuts, but I’m partial to cashews, pistachios, and almonds. And the recipe is easily customizable with herbs and spices to create different flavor profiles. As the sugar ­caramelizes toward the end of cooking, it may start to get a little smoky; that’s OK.

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped raw, unsalted nuts
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

1. Toast nuts in 10‑inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until fragrant and spotty brown, about 3 minutes. Quickly add water, sugar, and salt and stir with rubber spatula to evenly coat nuts.

2. Cook, stirring often, until sugar mixture caramelizes and nuts begin to clump together, 2 to 3 minutes. Quickly ­transfer nuts to large plate and spread into even layer. Let cool for 10 minutes. Break nut clusters into small pieces with your hands.

(Nuts can be stored in airtight container for up to 1 week.)

Variations:
Skillet Candied Nuts with Fresh Herbs

Just before transferring candied nuts to plate, stir in 1 ­teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme.

Spiced Skillet Candied Nuts

Combine 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, and pinch ground cinnamon in bowl. Just before ­transferring candied nuts to plate, stir in spice mixture.

Try a board on ice with this Raw Bar Board, perfect for brunch, New Years Day, or any special occasion.

There you have it, some outside-the-charcuterie-board inspiration for your next gathering. Be sure to check out Scott's Boards book for more scrumptious and creative ideas, like a Bruschetta Board, Steak Frites Board, and more!

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The wait is officially over – Dunkin’s spring menu just dropped! Starting March 5, you’ll be able to bask in the glory of 2 “highly requested” drinks returning to the lineup (looking at you, Dunkalatte!). There’s also a handful of savory snacks joining the spring roster, and I couldn’t be more excited to try ‘em. Plus, non-dairy milk will no longer cost extra at Dunkin’ starting March 5. Truly a cause for celebration!

Scroll on to see the full Dunkin’ spring menu lineup, which also includes a can’t-miss deal on their breakfast offerings!

2 Fan-Fave Drinks Return To The Dunkin' Spring Menu

Dunkin'

Dunkalatte

You read that right – after selling out last fall, the "highly-requested" Dunkalatte has returned to the Dunkin' spring menu! Crafted with rich coffee milk, the latte (that truly tastes like a milkshake) also boasts shots of espresso that make it totally charged with caffeine. Dunkin' called it an "instant sellout," which is all the more reason to give it a try. You'll be able to order this baby iced or hot.

Dunkin'

Pistachio Coffee

Another Dunkin' fan-favorite, the Pistachio Coffee, has also made its return to the spring menu! This nutty coffee flavor first debuted in 2018, and I've been dreaming about it ever since. It's made with a "subtly sweet" pistachio syrup and Dunkin's Original Blend coffee for a satisfying sip. It's also orderable iced or hot.

More Drinks On The Dunkin' Spring Menu

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Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso

This Sabrina Carpenter-approved sip will thankfully stay on the Dunkin' menu. It boasts an icy, shaken mix of "bold" espresso, brown sugar, and oat milk.

Dunkin'

Raspberry Watermelon Dunkin’ Refresher

With notes of raspberry and watermelon, this Refresher is the perfect springtime sipper! You'll have a choice of mixing it with either green tea or lemonade this season.

New Dunkin' Snack Alert!

Dunkin'

Ham & Swiss Pretzel Sliders

Sound the alarms! There's an all-new breakfast snack on the Dunkin' spring menu this go-around. Featuring King's Hawaiian Pretzel Slider Buns, these sliders are stacked up with Black Forest ham, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese. There are two sliders per box, so you can easily snack away.

Dunkin' Snacks Returning (For A Limited Time!)

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Sweet Black Pepper Bacon

The Sweet Black Pepper Bacon will also be available at Dunkin' (for a limited time!) this season, available as a Breakfast Sandwich, Wake Up Wrap, or just the plain Snackin’ Bacon.

Dunkin'

Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer

Just when I was missing chicken-filled breakfast options at Dunkin', the Chicken & Bacon Croissant Stuffer returns to the spring menu! Available for a limited time, this flaky pastry is stuffed with chicken, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.

Don't Miss Out On The $6 Meal Deal

Dunkin'

The greatness of the famed Dunkin' $6 Meal Deal continues! For just $6, this bundle includes a medium (14-ounces) hot or iced coffee, a Sausage, Egg & Cheese breakfast sandwich, and hash browns. Deal? More like a steal!

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It’s finally time to swap out your heavy winter boots for something a bit lighter, brighter, and budget-friendly. Amazon has quite the stylish lineup of spring shoes, and I scoured their site for the cutest picks – all under $20! From chic sandals to ballet flats that make any spring outfit feel fresh, these 11 Amazon shoes are here to refresh your shoe game, all without forgoing your budget.

Scroll on for 11 comfy and cute Amazon spring shoes, all shoppable for $20 or less!

Amazon

Hash Bubbie Mesh Knit Ballet Flats

These mesh ballet flats will let you feet breathe throughout all the warm weather coming our way. The pointed toes add the perfect touch of chic!

Amazon

Soda Platform Crisscross Band Sandals

Platform sandals are a springtime icon! These babies will fit you oh-so comfortably, thanks to the thick, crossed band design.

Amazon

Call It Spring Kelena Heeled Sandals

Perfect for the office, these blocked heels make a statement with square toes and plenty of stylish straps.

Amazon

Feversole Woven Flat Shoes

We adore flat shoes around here. These will wear well with everything from jeans to skirts this spring!

Amazon

Sailing Lu Square Toe Ballet Flats

Leopard print is hot this season, so you'll be right on-trend once you slip into these cozy ballet flats!

Amazon

Dream Pairs Ankle Strap Espadrille Sandals

These classic strappy sandals would be stunning for a springtime vacation, but they're also comfy enough to rock when you're out and about running errands.

Amazon

Stunner Mary Jane Flats

Who knew affordable shoes could be so trendy?! These metallic babies boast a double buckle silhouette that's sure to earn you compliment after compliment.

Amazon

Ataiwee Flat Slide Sandals

The woven motif on these slip-on sandals is so spring-like. They're also shoppable in tons of different colors to suit your personal style to a tee.

Amazon

Soda Shoes Casual Slippers

Sometimes you just need an easy spring shoe. That's exactly where these sandals come in, with a slip-on shape and cozy wide band on top.

Amazon

Tatumaie Orthopedic Wedge Sandals

These boho-esque sandals are equipped with the cutest stitched and woven details, so they'd work really well with a flowy dress or even some denim shorts, depending on your outfit vibe for the season.

Amazon

Lancholy Yoga Mat Insole Sandals

These babies are all about comfort, being made with a soft yoga mat insole. The multiple straps will keep your feet nice and secure for any and every occasion!

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Dunkin’ has definitely had its fair share of legendary menu items, but not all of them have stood the test of time. From fan-favorite swirl flavors to breakfast options that disappeared way too soon, these 10 discontinued Dunkin’ items still haunt loyal customers’ (and employees’) dreams. If you’ve ever found yourself reminiscing about your long-lost Dunkin’ order, you’re not alone – these are the retired menu items we’re still mourning the loss of!

Scroll on to discover 10 very-missed discontinued Dunkin’ items, from drinks to snacks.

Dunkin'

1. Coffee Coolatta

The Coffee Coolatta from Dunkin' was a fan-fave for years. It was basically a blended frozen coffee drink with a smooth, creamy texture and plenty of sweetness. It was almost like a coffee milkshake! Though Dunkin’ discontinued it in 2017 and replaced it with their Frozen Coffee, a lot of die-hard Dunkin' fans say the Coffee Coolatta was lighter, sweeter, and overall more enjoyable.

Dunkin'

2. Cookie Butter Cold Brew

“I was addicted to the cookie butter cold brew!!" one Redditor wrote in this thread. "Sooo delicious. 🤤” Well, sadly, this seasonal flavor is gone.

The Cookie Butter Cold Brew debuted in 2022, boasting brown sugar-sweetened cold brew topped with cookie butter cold foam and cookie crumbles. Yum. Unfortunately, it hasn’t returned to menus since its initial release!

Dunkin'

3. Croissant Donut

Remember the famous "cronut" trend? This discontinued item was Dunkin's tasty take and it debuted in 2014. Basically a hybrid between two beloved breakfast pastries, it had the flaky, buttery layers you'd expect from a croissant and the deep-fried, goodness of a donut. It became an instant hit upon its release, but was nixed from menus in 2017.

Dunkin'

4. Chicken Biscuit Sandwich

With the flavors of Southern comfort food, the Chicken Biscuit Sandwich was short-lived on Dunkin' menus. It boasted a crispy fried chicken filet sandwiched between a buttery, flaky biscuit. Luckily, Dunkin' still has a lot of breakfast sammies to choose from – though none of them feature chicken. 😭

Dunkin'

5. Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese

“I could live on those," one Redditor wrote at the mention of the Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese. It was one of Dunkin's best lunch options, highlighting a savory medley of melted white cheddar cheese, roasted tomatoes, and basil pesto on toasted sourdough. Unfortunately, it was quietly discontinued.

Dunkin'

6. Butter Pecan Iced Coffee

Dunkin's Butter Pecan flavor was all about the buttery and nutty, which go super well with coffee! Originally introduced as a seasonal customization, many Dunkin' fans still miss it.

“Butter pecan is the best flavor they’ve ever had," one Reddit user noted.

Dunkin'

7. Beyond Breakfast Sausage

Originally hitting the menu in 2020, Dunkin' sadly discontinued the Beyond Breakfast Sausage after a relatively short run. It truly stood out as a great vegetarian or vegan breakfast option for those who don't (or can't) eat meat – many plant-based fans were disappointed after learning that Dunkin’ would continue offering it.

Dunkin'

8. Pink Velvet Swirl

With the taste of red velvet cake and a smooth, pinkish hue, the Pink Velvet Swirl from Dunkin' became swiftly popular among sweet coffee fans. Dunkin’ offered it as a flavor addition in lattes, iced coffees, and other beverages in early 2021. Most notably, it was very Instagram-worthy with its vibrant color! Regrettably, the festive flavoring didn't make the permanent menu, and it has since been discontinued.

Change.org

9. Arnold Palmer Coolatta

Made with half iced tea and half lemonade and blended with ice, the Arnold Palmer Coolatta was honestly the perfect summer drink from Dunkin'. It was sweet and tart with a satisfyingly smooth and icy texture. Dunkin' did end up discontinuing many of their Coolatta bevs in 2017 to focus more on their coffee offerings.

Miss the Arnold Palmer Coolatta too much? There's even a petition to bring it back.

"Those were a staple of my childhood during the summer 😫,” one Redditor commented.

Dunkin'

10. Steak, Egg & Cheese Sandwich

Stacked up with a seasoned steak patty, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese, the Steak, Egg & Cheese Sandwich was a hearty and savory breakfast option that Dunkin' (somehow) decided to stop offering. The sandwich offered a protein-rich morning meal for those who wanted something filling and flavorful for breakfast, but was likely overshadowed by more common breakfast proteins like ham, bacon, and sausage.

"The sausage is a decent substitute, but the steak was godlike," one Redditor said.

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Some men may not like posting their significant others on social media, butAaron Taylor-Johnson definitely isn't one of them. He recently celebrated his wife, Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday, highlighting what he finds so special about her in his eyes on Instagram. They may have a controversial age-gap relationship, but their marriage is beyond a PR stunt. Frankly, they could give some of us a much-needed lesson in the ways of maintaining a long-term relationship... 👀

Anyway! Here's what Aaron Taylor-Johnson had to say about Sam Taylor-Johnson in his loving birthday tribute!

See the sweet and spicy way Aaron Taylor-Johnson celebrated Sam Taylor-Johnson's birthday!

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Sam Taylor-Johnson's nearing her golden years as she turned 58 this week! We're sure all birthdays are a big deal, but we especially appreciate the way Aaron Taylor-Johnson praised his wife on Instagram. His caption reads: "💕Happy Birthday gorgeous! ❤️ Love spending every moment with you 💚💛"

Instead of choosing his favorite picture of her, Aaron posted a lengthy carousel of his wife. Pictures include Sam doing an impressive split (we're jealous!), taking photos on a yacht, enjoying a steamy smooch with him, and being highlighted by the sun's golden rays. Aaron even made sure to throw in the classic "sunglasses on vacation" photo that's almost feels mandatory for couples to pose in.

It didn't take long to find Sam's response to Aaron's beautiful PDA post in his comments. "❤️❤️I love you ❤️❤️," is short, sweet, and to the point as she seems to know how cherished she is.

Aside from her husband's grand gesture, Sam has been reposting more "happy birthday" posts on Instagram stories so we think she's happily soaking up all the genuine love in her life. We can only hope our friends and families will commemorate our birthdays in a similar way this year!

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The beginning of spring is the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe with breezy, flattering dresses that make you feel ahh-mazing. Amazon is packed with adorable plus-size styles for the season, from flowy maxis to perfectly-cinched wrap dresses that highlight your curves in only the best ways. If you’re looking for effortless spring dresses that also abide by this year's hottest fashion trends, these Amazon picks are calling your name!

Scroll on for 11 flattering plus-size spring dresses – all shoppable on Amazon!

Amazon

Pinup Milkmaid Sundress

A milkmaid neckline will never not flatter your figure. Plus, with plenty of florals, this dress is totally spring-ready!

Amazon

Holipick Strapless Tube Top Sundress

Your next vacation 'fit is calling! This easy, breezy sundress lets you get some good sun while still shaping your waistline, thanks to the stretchy smocked top.

Amazon

Talisea Off-The-Shoulder Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

We love a white maxi dress for springtime! This one is sooo dreamy with its puff sleeve design and tied front. Pair it with your fave sandals or flats, and you're ready to step out in style.

Amazon

Amegoya Boho Square Neck Floral Midi Dress

Just look at those colors! This tiered maxi moment is exceptionally flattering since it features a tie-back waist that'll cinch you in nicely.

Amazon

Dokotoo Tie-Back Lantern Sleeve Dress

Spring dresses with square necklines are some of our favorite styles out there. This adorable dress comes in so many different colors to match your personal style, plus sizes up to XXL!

Amazon

Talisea Sweetheart Neckline Dress

The light chiffon material this mini's made of practically screams springtime.

Amazon

Pinup Chiffon Smocked Midi Dress

This charming dress couldn't be more comfortable! This stunning pattern features some shiny, tiny gold dots to enhance your look without being entirely overwhelming, pattern-wise.

Amazon

Scomchic Wrap Skater Mini Dress

This dress combines both a v-neckline and a wrap silhouette to hug your body in all the right places.

Amazon

Hanna Nikole Casual Bohemian Maxi Dress

This classy style features a pleated front, which adds a head-turning factor to your spring looks. This number would look stunning with some tall boots (especially a little cowboy boot moment) and a denim jacket!

Amazon

Pinup Strapless Ruffle Beach Dress

If you've got a beachy vacay planned, you need to add this strapless dress to your packing list. It's easy to put on and even easier to wear, thanks to the loose-fitting skirt.

Amazon

Soly Hux Short Sleeve Mini Dress

Hello, pink! This mini is undeniably flattering with a milkmaid neckline and fitted waist to pull you in comfortably.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more plus-size fashion picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.