Around the board Boards, platters, plates

"The true magic of a board lies in the understanding that it is so much more than the sum of its parts," attests Cheese Board Queen blogger Delaney in her impressive debut. Before she spills her secrets to styling food board arrangements, she acquaints readers with pairing basics for staple cheeses and meats (for instance, blue cheese and salami are a complementary pairing because of their sharp and salty characteristics). Next, she shares valuable tips on presentation (slicing cheeses and folding the meat adds visual texture) and essential tools (a spade knife should be used for hard cheese, while a wire cutter is better for soft cheese). Following this are dozens of gorgeous boards inspired by the seasons: the "board-ament" arrangement contains classic Christmas flavors like cranberry chèvre and pomegranates, while spring selections lean "fresh and aromatic" with lighter cheeses such as an herby chèvre complemented with rosemary-raisin crisps. Summer's abundance of peaches and cherries are celebrated in a stone fruit seasonal board with creamy burrata, then give way to the "warm, complex" flavors of fall featured in a Halloween-themed "Charspookerie" board. To supplement Delaney's sweet and snappy guidance, every board comes with a photo helpfully tagged to explain where each ingredient would be best placed. The inspiration and toothsome treats are plentiful in this excellent outing. (Mar.)