How To Create a Wine Friendly Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie Boards are growing in popularity and are very common for entertaining. Restaurants are adding them to their menus, kits are popping up in specialty markets and gift shops, and hostesses are using them as edible centerpieces.
Traditionally made of cured, dried meats, (Charcuterie is translated in French as pork butcher shop) today they feature a delicious combination of meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, nuts, crackers, spreads, olives, and other items. The point of the Charcuterie is to make it visually beautiful and offer something for everyone to nibble on.
This is why Charcuterie boards are the perfect pairing for drinking wine. Whether you prefer white or red, sweet or dry, there will be a perfect bite to find on a well-prepared Charcuterie to complement the experience.
Take a look at a few tips for building a beautiful Charcuterie board your guests will love.
Select A Food Safe Foundation: The foundation of your Charcuterie board can be anything in your kitchen that is food safe. A large platter, cutting board, or even a baking sheet is ok. Take into consideration the size of the crowd you have invited. Maybe one large board will feed everyone or multiple smaller boards may work better.
The Overall Display Matters: Now that you have the foundation selected, add bowls and decorative containers to display some food items on the board. For example, bowls displayed on top of the board add visual appeal and are perfect for dips, olives, and roasted red peppers. A wine glass is the perfect vessel for celery and carrot sticks and adds to the party’s theme.
Select The Ingredients and Go Shopping: Visualize what you would like your Charcuterie board to include and make a shopping list. Some items that pair well with wine are different types of hard and soft cheeses. Mozzarella balls, sharp cheddar cheese and goat, Fontana, and blue cheese are tasty additions. Include a spreadable cheese or a cheese ball. A variety of easy-to-eat meats like hard salami, summer sausage, kielbasa pepperoni and bologna are perfect. Crackers or sliced gourmet bread like baguettes make a nice addition. A combination of green, purple, and black seedless grapes and sliced pears and apples add a touch of color and sweetness. Sprinkle in blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Incorporate nuts like dried almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Fill bowls with dips, flavored mustard, jams, hummus, and honey. Add clusters of milk and dark chocolates throughout for a dessert-like touch.
Arrange, Create And Enjoy: Now that you have all the ingredients, approximately 30 minutes before your guests arrive, create your Charcuterie Board masterpiece. Start from the center and work your way out. There is no wrong or right to where items are placed. Let your creativity shine! When your board is finally covered, display it in a convenient location for everyone to enjoy. Display small plates, napkins, and silverware nearby.
It's time to enjoy it!