How to Create a Chocolate and Nut Pairing Board with Tosier Treats

Quick Answer

To create a chocolate and nut pairing board with Tosier treats, start by selecting a mix of Tosier chocolates and nuts, like the Suffolk Shingle and Piedmont Hazelnuts, then arrange them on a board with complementary fruits and cheeses. Balance flavors and textures for a delightful tasting experience that highlights the artisan quality of Tosier chocolates.

A chocolate and nut pairing board is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich, complex flavors of artisan chocolate. Tosier Chocolatemaker offers a range of treats that are perfect for this, from chocolate-covered nuts to single-origin bars. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create a stunning board that will impress your guests and elevate your snacking.

Whether you're hosting a party or simply treating yourself, a well-curated board combines textures and tastes that complement each other. With Tosier's dedication to quality ingredients and small-batch production, you can be sure every bite is a delight. Let's dive into the process.

Selecting Your Tosier Treats

The foundation of any great pairing board is the selection of chocolates and nuts. Start with a mix of Tosier's chocolate-covered nuts and pralines. For instance, the Suffolk Shingle, chocolate covered almonds, hazelnuts, raisins & cocoa nibs — Tosier Chocolatemaker offers a delightful medley that combines the crunch of nuts with the sweetness of raisins and the depth of cocoa nibs. This alone can be a centerpiece.

Another excellent choice is the Piedmont Hazelnuts | DarkMylk - 65% ABOCFA dragées — Tosier Chocolatemaker, which features premium Piedmont hazelnuts enrobed in a slightly sweeter vegan dark chocolate. These are perfect for those who enjoy a smoother, nuttier flavor. You can also consider the 'Freddy Rocks' - hand-cut Piedmont hazelnut pralines, a true artisan product with just five ingredients, for a more indulgent option.

Piedmont Hazelnuts | DarkMylk - 65% ABOCFA dragées — Tosier Chocolatemaker

• Mix different textures: crunchy nuts, smooth chocolate, chewy raisins.
• Consider dietary preferences: Tosier offers vegan options like the DarkMylk hazelnuts.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

A successful pairing board balances sweet, salty, bitter, and savory elements. Tosier's chocolates range from dark and intense to milk and vegan, so you can play with contrasts. For example, the 70% Tumaco Colombia bar, with its rich, nutty notes and hint of caramel, pairs beautifully with the saltiness of roasted nuts or the tartness of dried fruits.

Don't forget to include some fresh elements like apple slices or berries to cut through the richness. The goal is to create a journey of flavors where each bite complements the next. Think about the order in which you'll taste: start with milder chocolates and progress to more intense ones.

• Use a variety of nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, and even cocoa nibs for a bitter contrast.
• Add a touch of honey or sea salt to enhance flavors.

Arranging the Board

The visual appeal of your board is almost as important as the taste. Start with a large wooden board or slate. Place small bowls for items like the Suffolk Shingle medley to keep them contained. Then, arrange the chocolates and nuts in small clusters, leaving space for fruits, cheeses, and crackers.

Consider the color contrast: the deep brown of chocolate, the cream of cheese, and the vibrant reds of berries make for an inviting display. Use small labels to identify each item, especially if you're serving guests who may want to know what they're tasting. This also adds a professional touch.

• Use ramekins for sticky or saucy items to prevent mess.
• Leave some empty space to avoid a cluttered look.

Pairing with Drinks

To elevate your board, consider pairing it with beverages. A rich hot chocolate made with Tosier's single-origin bars is a cozy option, but for a more sophisticated affair, try a robust coffee or a full-bodied red wine. The 70% Tumaco Colombia bar, with its coffee notes, is an excellent match for a dark roast.

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a spiced chai or a smoky tea can complement the nutty flavors. The key is to choose drinks that won't overpower the delicate chocolate but will enhance its nuances.

• For a dessert board, pair with a sweet dessert wine like Port.
• Offer a variety of drinks to cater to different preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Board

1. Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients: Select a variety of Tosier chocolates and nuts. Include at least one medley like the Suffolk Shingle and a single-origin bar for contrast. Check that you have a mix of dark, milk, and vegan options to cater to all tastes.
2. Step 2: Choose Your Board and Bowls: Pick a board that is large enough to hold everything without overcrowding. Use small bowls for loose items like dragées. Ensure the board is clean and dry before arranging.
3. Step 3: Arrange the Elements: Start with the largest items, like chocolate bars, and then fill in with nuts, fruits, and cheeses. Place bowls strategically to create visual balance. Step back and check the board from different angles to ensure it looks appealing.
4. Step 4: Add Garnishes and Labels: Add fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a finishing touch. Label each item with small tags. Labels help guests identify what they're tasting and add a professional touch.
5. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the board at room temperature to allow the chocolate to fully express its flavors. Provide small plates and napkins. Encourage guests to try different combinations to discover their favorites.

Key Tosier Products for Your Board

• Suffolk Shingle, chocolate covered almonds, hazelnuts, raisins & cocoa nibs — Tosier Chocolatemaker: A delicious medley of our almonds, hazelnuts, raisins and chocolate coated coco nibs reminiscent of the shingly beaches that grace the Suffolk coastline. This medley provides a variety of textures and flavors in one product, making it a convenient and delicious centerpiece for your board.
• Piedmont Hazelnuts | DarkMylk - 65% ABOCFA dragées — Tosier Chocolatemaker: To make our delicious hazelnut dragées we directly import Piedmont hazelnuts PGI from the Langhe - universally recognised as the best in the world and the ones we select are grown without herbicides or chemical fertilisers. These high-quality hazelnuts are sustainably grown and coated in a slightly sweeter vegan chocolate, offering a premium, guilt-free indulgence.

Creating a chocolate and nut pairing board with Tosier treats is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy artisan chocolate. By selecting high-quality products like the Suffolk Shingle and Piedmont Hazelnuts, you can craft a board that delights the senses. For a truly special experience, consider adding the 'Freddy Rocks' pralines for a touch of indulgence. Explore the full range of Tosier chocolates to find your perfect pairing.