Thai Chili Pepper Cutting Board

Maya loved two things: creating beautiful wooden boards and adding a little kick to everything. One afternoon, she had an idea that made her grin—what if she could make a charcuterie board that was not only functional but also had a spicy surprise hidden inside?

She grabbed a smooth piece of maple wood and got to work. Maya carefully arranged a pattern in her mind, then sliced fresh Thai chilis into thin, vibrant pieces. She placed them neatly into the board, knowing the colorful red and green slices would stand out once everything was sealed in. Then, she mixed up some epoxy resin—clear, shiny, and ready to encase her fiery creation—and poured it carefully over the chilis, making sure they were perfectly suspended in the resin.

When the board was finished, it was gorgeous. The bright, fiery chilis floated like little gems in the clear epoxy, and the wood’s natural grain peeked through around the edges. Maya couldn’t wait to show it off.

At her next gathering, she set the board down, full of cheese, crackers, and fruits, and waited for the reactions. Her friends started to pick at the food, and then one of them gasped, pointing to the bright red chilis inside the board.

“Wait—are those real chilis?” someone asked, laughing.

Maya grinned. “Yep! Thai chilis, sealed right in. I thought it’d be fun to spice up the snack table!”

The board became an instant hit, everyone marveling at the hidden spicy surprise. The charcuterie was delicious, but the board itself stole the show, adding a little zing to the party and proving that even the simplest ideas could have a kick of their own!

(Made by Shawn Ellis for In The Kitchen Contest)