Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie (pronounced shar-koo-tuh-ree) is the French word for pork-butcher shop. Now say charcuterie ten times. It’s the art of preparing cured meats. In fifteenth-century France, charcutiers shop windows were filled with all sorts of cooked and cured pork since they were not allowed to sell uncooked pork. French charcuterie involves pates, mousse, and things like rillettes. 

 

Today, charcuterie has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s no longer just meat. You can find charcuterie everywhere from Instagram to restaurants. It’s made a comeback and I am thrilled. This is my kind of eating. Unpretentious, grab what you like, kind of eating. The sky’s the limit with what foods you place on your charcuterie board.

 

There are no rules or complicated recipes to follow. You can use cutting boards, plates, or a large serving tray like I did. Add cured meats, cheeses, bread, fruit, nuts, or whatever suits your fancy. And, there is no cooking involved! Charcuterie can be a creative appetizer or a meal. I had so much fun making this charcuterie board and I hope you will make one too.

 

Wow your guests during the holidays with charcuterie.  They will think you are the coolest host in the world. No more spray cheese and stale crackers for you. Not that cheese from a can is all that bad on occasion, but this time you’re going big. You’re going grand. It’s time to change things up when it comes to appetizers. If you’re not ready to take the leap, then by all means stay safe. But, I really hope you at least try and make your own charcuterie board. You won’t be disappointed. 

 

Happy eating!

 

The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

   and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

 

 

 

Charcuterie Board

Here is the list of food I used for my board:

 

• red grapes
• strawberries
• dried cranberries
• blackberry preserves
• pistachios
• roasted almonds
• chocolate covered pecans
• colby jack cheese
• sharp cheddar
• provolone
• blue cheese
• brie
• pepperoni
• prosciutto
• salami
• marinated artichoke hearts
• Kalamata olives
• Spanish olives
• assorted crackers

 

How to assemble your charcuterie board:

• Start with placing any bowls of olives, sauces, or spreads on the board.
• Next, place all meats.
• Now add your cheeses.
• Then add crackers or sliced bread.
• Fill in with fresh and dried fruit.

 

My tips:

• Lay parchment paper down first when using a tray.
• Have both soft and hard cheeses.
• Use both fresh and dried fruit.
• Add variety with different colored and textured food.
• Keep it simple if you’d like, with just meat, cheese, and bread. 

 

Have fun with your charcuterie board! Be creative and enjoy!

 

 

You can read my latest article in the link below. Check out Mustard Seed Sentinel for fantastic content.

https://www.mustardseedsentinel.com/post/meghan-s-corner-charcuterie-board