COOKBOOK REVIEW: BIG BOARDS FOR BIG FAMILIES by Sandy Coughlin

Shane | 28 March 2022 | Reply

COOKBOOK REVIEW: BIG BOARDS FOR BIG FAMILIES by Sandy Coughlin
Allen & Unwin
Rrp $35.00
By Shane Pinnegar
68%

Sandy Coughlin’s Big Boards For Big Families is an undeniably colourful affair, lovingly photographing and describing huge grazing boards designed to be shared by families (or, presumably) groups of friends.

All too often Coughlin’s ideas lean too far into filler territory – many are basically just deconstructed meals arranged around a plank of wood. Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with that.

Grazing boards are one of the hippest food trends at the moment, so there are loads of exciting ideas herein, but to this old chef, berry crumbles were never meant to be deconstructed and served on a board, thus missing out on the baking part of their delightful end result.

Similarly ramen, lasagne, gnocchi boards, amongst others.

But Coughlin is in her element when approaching boards like true grazing affairs: nachos, charcuterie, baked potatoes, burger and taco boards – not to mention some dessert treats – hit the bullseye and are bound to provide inspiration.