KISS Cooking | Recipes By Ashley
The Cheese Board — Simple, Stunning & Perfect for Any Gathering
Hi friends — Ashley here again! If you’ve been around my kitchen, you know one of my favorite things to make for guests is a really beautiful cheese board. It’s easy, unfussy, and always feels special — which is exactly what KISS Cooking is all about. Last week I put together a board for a family get-together, and I grabbed everything from Trader Joe’s… because sometimes the simplest option is also the best one. They have such an amazing cheese selection, fun seasonal items, and the prettiest olives. Truly a hostess’ best friend. So today I’m sharing exactly what I used, plus a few swaps and suggestions if you want to recreate it at home. ✨ Building the Perfect KISS Cheese Board ✨ From Ashley’s kitchen to yours Let’s Talk Cheese — My Go-To Picks from Trader Joe’s I love mixing textures so the board feels interesting and balanced. Here’s what I typically reach for: 1. A Soft CheeseSomething creamy that spreads beautifully.• Brie (TJ’s Double Crème Brie is a staple)• Goat cheese (their Honey Goat Cheese log is always a crowd-pleaser) 2. A Semi-Soft CheeseA little melty, a little mild — perfect for most palates.• Havarti• Fontina• TJ’s Unexpected Cheddar spreadable version if you can find it 3. A Hard or Aged CheeseFor depth and those salty, crumbly bites.• Unexpected Cheddar (an absolute must)• Aged Gouda• Parmesan or Pecorino if you want something extra sharp 4. Something Fun or SeasonalThis is where I add personality.• Cranberry Chevre during the holidays• Truffle Marcona almonds (not a cheese… but trust me)• A flavored cheddar or a Toscano cheese rubbed with black pepper or syrah The Olives — The Secret Star of the Board I always like having a briny, savory element on my boards because it cuts through all the richness. Trader Joe’s makes this easy — their olive selection is surprisingly good. Some of my favorites:• Castelvetrano olives (buttery + bright green)• Kalamata olives• Marinated green olives with herbs• Spanish Manzanilla olives• The trio olive pack — perfect when you want a mix without thinking If you want to elevate them, drain the liquid, drizzle with olive oil, add a squeeze of lemon, and finish with fresh herbs. It feels gourmet with zero effort. Pairing Everything Together To round out the board, I added:• Rosemary crackers + pita crackers• Seasonal fruit — grapes, pears, or figs• Honey (always)• A handful of nuts for crunch And because we’re keeping it simple, sweetheart — just arrange everything in loose clusters. Don’t overthink it. Cheese boards are supposed to look slightly undone and inviting. From My Kitchen to Yours Cheese boards are the easiest way to make guests feel welcomed the moment they walk in. They’re beautiful, they’re delicious, and they give you time back to actually enjoy your company. I hope this inspires your next gathering — whether it’s Thanksgiving week, a holiday party, or just a cozy night at home. Keep it simple, sweetheart.🤍 Ashley
Learn more
Shrimp Orzo Salad — From My Kitchen to Yours
Hi friends — Ashley here. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, my kitchen starts filling with all the cozy, rich recipes we look forward to all year. But I always love having one light, bright dish on the table to balance everything out. Something fresh… something zesty… something that gives you a break from the carbs and casseroles. This Shrimp Orzo Salad is exactly that.It’s simple (of course — it’s KISS!), it’s beautiful on the table, and it comes together quickly, even on a busy holiday morning. I’ve been making versions of this salad for years, and it always disappears fast. From my kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes one of your new go-tos. ✨ Shrimp Orzo Salad ✨ A fresh + bright dish to lighten up your Thanksgiving table What You’ll Need:• 1 bag orzo (or a blended orzo/couscous bag), cooked• 1 lb cooked, peeled shrimp• 1 English cucumber, seeds removed + chopped• 2 colorful bell peppers, chopped• ½ red onion, chopped• Feta cheese• Fresh dill For the Dressing:• ½ cup olive oil• 1 tsp Dijon mustard• Juice of 1–2 lemons• 2 tbsp maple syrup• 1 tsp garlic• Salt + pepper to taste How to Make It: Cook your orzo according to the package directions, then let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, feta, and dill. Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth. Toss everything together and finish with a little extra fresh dill on top. That’s it — simple, fresh, delicious. This salad is one of those dishes that tastes even better after it sits, so you can easily prep it ahead and pull it straight from the fridge when everyone gathers around the table. Whether you’re hosting, attending a potluck, or just need something easy for weeknight dinners, I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking, sweetheart.🤍 Ashley
Learn more
Maple Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese — A Favorite Cozy Side Dish
Discover Ashley’s favorite cozy side dish—Maple Glazed Carrots with Goat Cheese. This easy yet elegant recipe features sweet roasted carrots topped with creamy goat cheese, crunchy nuts, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of hot honey, all served on a beautiful Wavy Platter. Perfect for holidays or any special meal, plus watch the recipe come to life in Ashley’s Instagram reel!
Learn more
