Another busy season is upon us! Your little one has football practice and an art project due tomorrow, the dog has a grooming appointment, you’re in the middle of a huge project at work and zero time to think about that meeting you have this evening, but you signed up to bring a dish!

First of all, take a deep breath and a few minutes to gather your thoughts. You got this! There is no need to make a huge fuss about what you’re going to bake for your girlfriends because after all, that is why they are your friends, they do not care what you make – whether it is some elaborate cake or store-bought cookies. They just want to see your face and spend time catching up. So, pull yourself together Sister and head to the fridge, because honestly, anyone can throw together a dessert platter with things already in their kitchen.

Essentially a dessert platter is just a cheese platter, but subbing the cheese with sweets like dark chocolate or caramel popcorn. (Which by the way, the caramel corn I used on my board is my Noni’s homemade caramel corn and it is addictive! Be sure to check out the recipe below.) RIGHT up my alley! Granted I love cheese, but chocolate totally trumps it for me.

Start by placing any type of bowls or plates you would like on the board, then add the bulky items, such as the strawberries and grapes. Then continue adding items, making sure to break up colors and sections. For example, don’t put to different brown chocolate side by side. Add a section of popcorn or white chocolate pretzels to break it up. Once the board is almost to the point of overflowing, you’re done! Now pour yourself a glass of wine and eat all you want.

XO, Ashton

P.S. I could totally see myself eating this entire platter while watching Yellowstone. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. (: