Some kitchens are for show. Others have a smoker out back, a cast iron skillet that never gets put away, and a counter that's always got something resting on it. If you're buying a Texas cutting board for the second kind of kitchen, it needs to hold up to being used, not just look good on a wall.
Here's what our Texas boards are, what they're good at, and how to keep one going for years. They're all part of our Texas gifts and souvenirs collection.
What the board is
Every Texas board we make starts from the same blank: solid bamboo, 17 by 5.25 inches, cut in the silhouette of a wine bottle. The design is engraved into one face. It's not printed on, so there's no ink or paint to wear off, and the engraving comes out in shades from brown to near black, so no two boards look exactly alike.
What it's good for
Start with the shape. At a little over 5 inches wide, this is a long, narrow board. That makes it a better serving and slicing board than a chopping block. Here's where it earns its keep:
- Slicing and serving brisket or sausage. Carve on your big board, then lay the slices down the length of this one and carry it to the table.
- Bread. A long loaf fits it end to end.
- Cheese and charcuterie. A wedge of cheese, some sausage and crackers down the length.
- A drinks tray. Two or three glasses and a bottle, straight from the kitchen to the porch.
If you do most of your chopping on a big board already, this one takes over everything that happens after the knife work.
Pick a Texas design
The Texas wine bottle serving board comes in our Texas state designs, including HOME Outline, Home Sweet Home, TX Initials, Texas Script and Est. 1845. They read as Texas without leaning on any one city.
If the cook in question is attached to a particular place, go for a skyline instead. We make the same bamboo board with skylines from across Texas, including the Houston skyline board, the San Antonio skyline board and the Dallas skyline board. Each has the skyline with the city name engraved beneath it.
Keeping it in shape
Bamboo is hard wearing, but it's still a natural material, and a little care goes a long way.
- Hand wash it. Warm water and a little soap, then towel it dry. No dishwasher.
- Don't let it soak. Standing water is what warps and cracks a board.
- Oil it now and then. A little food safe mineral oil keeps the bamboo from drying out. When it starts to look pale and thirsty, it's time.
- Store it dry. Stand it upright or somewhere air can reach both sides.
Who it's for
This board makes sense as a housewarming or wedding gift, for the friend who hosts every game day, or for anyone who moved out of Texas and misses cooking like they did there. It pairs well with a Texas slate coaster set if you want to put a small set together.
Made to order
Each board is engraved after you order it and ships within 1 to 3 business days in a plain box, so wrap it yourself if it's a gift.
You'll find every Texas board, plus the coasters, ornaments and wall art, on the Texas collection page.