Charcuterie is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats. Today you will find these cured meats paired with an assortment of cheese, crackers, fruit, and toppings.
The Board
Be creative with your board
Before you run out and buy a charcuterie board, get creative, you may have items around your house that would make for a beautiful backdrop. Think of that large antique tray you purchased from round top; just place butcher paper down to protect it from oil stains. For today, I am going to use a board made from Southern Pecan Texas Salvaged Wood by Hardwood Design Company.
Lets Talk Cheeses
Mix textures, shapes, and sizes
Choose your favorite varieties of cheese. We tend to eat with our eyes first; I suggest choosing at least 3 different cheeses in differing sizes and shapes to add visual interest. Also, consider texture when choosing your cheeses, mix textures of creamy, soft, and firm cheeses to keep the palette entertained and surprised. I love firm cheese with a touch of honey or fig jam, think cheddar, gouda, or parmesan. Soft cheeses such as brie or goat pair beautifully with a variety of fruit such as apples, pears or strawberries.
Lets Talk Dishes
Add a pop of color and pattern
Keep it simple by using white pottery dishes which contrast with the wood of your board. Add pops of color or pattern with a variety of complementing bowls. Arrange the bowls on your board with thought of your cheese and spread pairings. World market has a great selection of white bowls to keep your charcuterie board simple and elegant. Another great place to find cute serving bowls is TJ Maxx or Home Goods.
Lets Talk Meats
Keep meats in groups and vary the arrangements
Visit your local deli to provide a variety of meats, also note, they will allow you to sample so don't be afraid to try something different to your board. I like to add hard salami, pepperoni, dried sausage, and prosciutto. I prefer the meat sliced paper thin, I feel this makes it easier to eat, and doesn't overpower the rest of the board. Visually, I like to group the meats together and vary the arrangement by folding and fanning out.
Lets Talk Crackers
Mix flavor, color, and shape
Your local deli section will also house a variety of crackers. Add color by varying options of crackers that include white, whole wheat, or sesame seed. Consider adding different flavors and textures by mixing in some bagel crisps and pita chips. Arrange your crackers with the same concept as your meats; group like crackers together, stack some sideways, upright, and fanned out keep in groups of 3.
Lets Talk Favorites
Think salty and sweet
Now that the cheeses, bowls, and meats are arranged, begin to fill in the spaces with touches of your favorites foods that include a salty and sweet addition. My go to sweet and salty favorites include; dry fruits, fresh fruits, olives, pickles, herbs, nuts, dark chocolate.
Varying colors, textures, and varieties of your cheeses, meats, and crackers is a great starting point to crafting the art of your perfectly styled charcuterie board.
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