If you are planning to make the perfect thanksgiving or friends-giving party this guide on how to make the perfect charcuterie board will come in handy. As you start to plan out your party menu you should consider adding The charcuterie which is always a party pleaser. It’s easy to make and makes the best impression on your guests and hosting skills.
Are you wondering what a charcuterie board is? It’s a platter filled with cured meats, amazing cheeses, fruits, nuts and snacks. You can make a charcuterie board as simple as you want or as fancy as you want.
If this is first time you’ve heard of a charcuterie board here is how to pronounce charcuterie. It’s pronounced: (shahr-cute-uh-ree).
Ingredients of the perfect charcuterie board:
- Artisanal cheese. Get your favorite cheese together. You should add both hard and soft cheeses varying in taste to accommodate different palettes. I like getting pre-sliced cheese because it’s easy to serve and eat.
- Cured meats. Shop for high quality meats. I usually get salami, chorizo, prosciutto and ham. I always like to ask for guidance at the store on pairing meats with cheese. Ask the butcher they’ll always help when they can.
- Bread and crackers. You can also vary this as much as you want adding salty, spicy and sweet ones. Just make sure you separate them on the board. My favorite combinations are pretzels, buttery crackers and a warm toasted baguette.
- Nuts. Always try to get good quality nuts. My favorite store for nuts right now is Trader Joe’s. For this board you’ll need cashews, almonds and pistachios.
- Fruits. Most of the time depending on where you live you are limited by what’s in season. I love getting fresh berries, grapes, apples, figs, and kiwis. You can even slice up some oranges and make a beautiful colorful board. Mix it up with some dried fruits such as apricots, dried oranges and dates.
- Vegetables. I’m sure you’ve already picked up on how healthy a charcuterie board is. Adding vegetables only makes sense. I would add finger friendly vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, sage, and rosemary for a beautiful finish.
- Condiments. This is where you add things that go well with everything you put on the charcuterie board. I love dijon mustard, honey, hummus and olive oil. Drizzling honey on a cracker with some cheese is the perfect mouth watering finger food I can think of.
How to make the perfect Charcuterie board
Table of Contents
Step 1: Find a board
You can find the perfect charcuterie board in most stores. Think of the board as a serving tray or platter where you will set up your ingredients. Most boards are not expensive and they dont need to be. Remember your set up is what will impress your guests.
Step 2: Organize the jars or small bowls
You will use jars or bowls for condiments, nuts and even some cheeses. Space them out to where they are easy to reach and also where they are close to what they are paired with. Some crackers pair of better with some cheeses so put the close together for example.
Step 3: Add the cheese
As mentioned above start to place the cheese and the crackers strategically on the board.
Step 4: Add the meat
Start putting the meat out at the same time thinking of portions for your guests. I like to give each guest 3 slices of each type of meat. Ensure you put out a good selection to serve different tastes. Put some aside to replenish as the party kicks off.
Step 5: Add the fruits and vegetables
Most of your work is done by now. Add the fruits to make a beautiful and vibrant board. I love making the berries, apricots and orange slices stand out. Sage and rosemary make great garnishes and make the board rustic.
Pair the vegetables with cheeses and condiments so that guests are able to pick things up easily.
Step 6: Add the breads and crackers
I leave this for last because I don’t want the bread or crackers to get soggy. Place them near the cheeses and condiments that pair well and also where fruits and such wont drip on them.
I like to place small forks or toothpicks near the board for guests to pick things up easily. I love these forks here for such purposes.
Hopefully these steps are easy to follow and you make a beautiful charcuterie board as the holiday season starts. Impress your friends and family and be sure to leave me a comment or photo of your beautiful work.
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