Charcuterie Board
(Formulated by the Hedonista)
There is nothing better for a gathering than a charcuterie board. It hits all the marks for an awesome snack, dinner, lunch.. It’s irresistible when you have a drink in hand, friends around you, and a beautiful board to not pick at the food.. So pickable!
Here is the thing, it's easy and fun to make one. And so satisfying to see all your intent and work spread across a tray or table. That said, until you get in the groove with places to grab good stuff and things from your pantry it can seem like a lot. But so worth it to practice. And as usual I love having snacks/ meals for days after.
These are the components of a good board. Then we can flesh out different ideas to each component.
A good charcuterie board is always built around good meat and cheeses.
Generally different aged meats and pates. If you aren't making your own aged meats, which most of us aren't, find a local place that has meats and cheese. This can be a cheesemonger, a butcher, or small import food shops. Just depends on where you are, but this will start you out. And if you must, hit your local grocery. (I do suggest learning more about your area, taking some time to find some places besides the grocery).
I like to have an assortment of meats. Think prosciutto, soppressata, mortadella. Thinly sliced to a hard cut sausage or salami. And if you find an amazing pate, this is a good addition to.
Now to the cheeses. Have some hard cheeses and some soft cheeses too. I like to always have a super soft spreadable cheese, thinking brie like. This is the great part of going somewhere local that isn't the grocery, because you can ask the butcher or cheesemonger all about the cheeses. They can help guide you and you will learn too.
Something to put the meat and cheeses, and whatever else you collect, on. Toasted slices of baguette, crackers. The intent is to add a little crunch and a base for people to layer the flavors onto.
Spreads. Spreads can be pates, mustards (I love a good grainy one), tapenades, honey, jams, and of course the soft cheese you picked.
Other accouterments: Anything goes. Nuts, olives, chips, fruits, popcorn, capers, fermented veggies, raw sliced veggies, spiced oils to drizzle, pickled peppers, pickled beets, pickled anything!
So there you have the basics for the board! Enjoy this. Start collecting things in the fridge and your pantry and then it is easy. Great to have for a planned get together, but also easy for an impromptu gathering too. Add some music, flowers, candles… let the fun begin.
