Valentine’s Day Edition
What is a Cheese Board aka Charcuterie Board?
Charcuterie (pronounced [shar-koo-tuh–ree] , a French term for any processed meat product. The term has evolved to include a variety of foods.
Charcuterie boards are a wonderful display of pretty much finger foods or an appetizer board. The board can consist of an assortment of cured meats, cheese, crackers, nuts, fruits and spreads, artfully arranged on a serving board for your guest to enjoy. The latest trend is creating different types of boards not limited to meats and cheese. A sweets board is always fun as well as a mix board.
When creating your Charcuterie Board make it easy on yourself.
Get all your edible products in one place.
I found everything I used at my local Publix Supermarket. You can shop at your favorite local store. I would suggest to get quality ingredients from their deli.
Valentine / Galentine Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board.
This is an example of a charcuterie board I used for a Valentine’s day brunch. My family is picky when it comes down to taste buds so I went with kid friendly options.
- vegetables
- fruits
- cured meats
- cheese
- crackers
- candy
List of products used
- For salty options I used; hard salami, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella, gouda cheese, colby jack cheese and butter crisp crackers.
- For fruits I used; strawberries, raspberries, tomato, green and purple grapes.
- For vegetables I used; celery, carrot, broccoli and snap pea ( light ranch dip )
- For sweets I used; raisinet, hershey’s kisses and mini marshmallows.
You can use a variety of products not limited to my list. Your options are endless and whatever is fresh and in season even better.
- ham
- bacon
- prosciutto
- roast beef
- hard cheese
- soft cheese
- vegetables
- candy
- fresh and dries fruits
- nuts and seeds
- breads and or crackers
- preserves, spreads and dips
How to arrange a Charcuterie Board
The visual aspect of the board will make the board even more interesting and fun. You need color, texture, shapes and sizes. Since my charcuterie board was created for valentines day. I sliced some of my products into heart shapes. Doesn’t that say I Love You!
Use small serving cups to keep specific edibles from touching in my case to keep the wet and fresh mozzarella balls away from drier products. Also keep in mind food allergies such as gluten, seeds and nut allergies. Serving cups can be different shapes, color and sizes. Your serving board can be as big or small as you want depending on your guest list. Other then that Have Fun! If it looks visually appealing your guest will love it.
Which beverages will go well with my Charcuterie Board
The answer to this depends on your guest list and on the occasion. If the Charcuterie board is mainly for adults and an afternoon event go with wine, meats and cheese pair well with wine. My Valentines brunch was mainly for my kids, I used watermelon juice a squeeze of fresh lime juice with slices of strawberries I also went the extra mile and salted the rim of the cup. I will say my son was not impressed with the salted rim… Proceed with caution when salting cup rims for kids. Between you and I ( I spiked my watermelon juice with a shot of tequila, woohoo for watermelon margaritas )
Extra Tips
- Prepare your board within an hour of serving. If you are creating fun shapes cut the shapes the day before and store in fridge until ready.
- Keep seeds and nuts in small serving cups if anyone with allergies will be present. I’m personally allergic to both seeds and nuts. I just refrain from using them.
- Keep ingredients close by to refill.
- Add fresh herbs to garnish.
- Use serving spoons and cheese knives for easier serving.
- Remember the 4S’s Sweet, Savory, Salty and Spicy.
- Have a fantastic time and enjoy the moment.
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Would you like a tutorial on these rose bud cloth napkins? Let me know, I will be happy to share with you.