holiday entertaining – Meghan E White

On a recent trip to San Antonio I had the pleasure of eating pimento cheese for the first time. It’s been on my list of Southern foods I have been wanting to try and I’m so glad I finally did. It’s creamy with the right amount of spice. Perfect for crackers, chips, veggies, or bread. It’s common to make a sandwich using this delicious cheese. I think it would be fantastic on sourdough, or any kind of baguette, and warmed under the broiler.

I found this recipe on Allrecipes. If you prefer extra spicy, add jalapenos, which I highly recommend. Pimento cheese would be nice at a potluck or party. If you have never had this quintessential Southern cheese I hope you give it a try. It’s a winner.

Happy Eating!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

¼ tsp onion powder

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups (16 oz.) extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimentos, drained and then chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl place the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt and pepper. Using a whisk or rubber spatula mix until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the spices.
Mix in the shredded cheese, pimentos, and optional jalapeno.
Enjoy with crackers, veggies, or make a sandwich.

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