October is my favorite month on the farm! Fall colors, cool weather, a break from our harvest season. It’s the best! It’s also time for fall parties- and cute, spooky snacks. So, we put together Cheesy, Spooky Grazing Board that’s portable for gatherings, or perfect for an after school snack. Enjoy and get creative! We’d love to see pictures of what you make, tag us @mthopefarms on Instagram and Facebook.

What you need: 

• Jar of Spiced Marionberry Fruit Spread (or another favorite variety)
• Small block of aged cheddar or gouda cheese (or one of each for a large tray)
• Wedge of brie 
• 1 package of salami 
• 1 package Mozzarella sticks 
• Pretzel sticks
• 2 packages fresh chives
• Fresh blackberries or blueberries
• 1 small can of black olives
• 1 small jar of gherkins (mini dill pickles)
• Walnuts
• Candy Corn
• 2 to 3 mini pumpkins
• Edible candy eyes- usually in the cake decorating section
• Paper ghosts, plastic spiders, anything you have on hand that gives this board a cute, spooky vibe! 

Directions for board:

Grab a large rectangular serving tray (the edges will keep items from sliding, making it easier to transport). Tip: you can also use a full or half cookie sheet and top it with parchment paper to make clean up a breeze! Plus, you probably have both of these items right on hand.

Make the brie mummy:

Take your wedge of brie straight from the fridge (so it's easier to handle) and cut the corners off the top of the triangle, then cut off the bottom triangle. Add a pair of candy eyes to make a mummy!

Assemble the broomsticks:

• Cut string cheese sticks in half.
• Cut bottoms of string cheese sticks to resemble broom sticks
• Insert a pretzel stick into the tops of each string cheese to look like a broom.
• Wrap each string cheese at the top with a chive to form a knot.

Slice your block of aged cheddar or gouda to prepare for serving. If you’re using a large tray, we would suggest a small block of each.

Create your Cheesy, Spooky Grazing Board (step by step photos below)

1. Place pumpkins on the board first, since they will take up the most room. Then, add your mummy brie, sliced gouda and/or cheddar, and broomsticks.

2. Add small round dishes of black olives, gherkins/pickles, and your jar of Spiced Marionberry Fruit Spread.

3. Next, trail the slices of salami around on the board.

4. Around the pumpkins, dishes, cheese, and salami, fill in space with pretzels and fresh berries (we used blackberries, but blueberries are great, too!). Add in candy corn, and decorate with paper ghosts, plastic spiders, whatever you have on hand.

ENJOY!