Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
‘Tis the season for entertaining. This time of year, we find ourselves either hosting or attending parties and get-togethers that usually center around food. After the invitations are sent, the next big question is, “What should I make?” Whether you are playing the part of guest or host, you really can’t go wrong with a charcuterie board. Any hostess will welcome you to their home if you show up bearing this culinary board of goodness.
While these tasty smorgasbords on a platter have gained popularity over the last few years, charcuterie isn’t actually a new term. Originating from French, it refers to someone who prepares and sells cured meats, especially pork. But charcuterie boards have become so much more. The modern charcuterie board is a meal in itself, using a combination of cheeses, fruit, nuts, crackers, breads, olives, and more. The sky’s the limit.
Have fun creating your own charcuterie. There really are no rules. You can make a classic board or get creative and follow a theme. For a unique twist, try a breakfast board with assortments of waffles, sausages, syrup, and fruit. For winter, warm up with a hot cocoa charcuterie complete with marshmallows and candy canes. Yes, we have greatly strayed from the original meaning, but talk to me after I get my chocolate fix.
Mix things up by forming your ingredients in a shape to fit the theme. Try a fall wreath by using fruit with seasonal colors like oranges and cranberries. Make a Christmas tree shape and use rosemary to resemble pine and top with a star cut from cheese, adding a garland of blueberries.
If this all sounds a little daunting to you, perhaps you are thinking too hard. Let’s start with a base. Use a large (or small) cutting board or wood plank, or simply a big platter. Select a few different types of meats and place them on the board in their own place. Place all the prosciutto together, and the cured sausage on the other side. Intersperse with various cheeses. Ideally you will have at least one hard cheese, one semi-firm, and one creamy cheese. Choose one “safe” cheese that would please most palettes, but add an unexpected, unique cheese to stretch your guests a bit, giving them something new and interesting to try. Place fruit such as grapes, blueberries, and strawberries around your platter. Figs, star fruit, and different types of melon also taste delicious and look colorful. Add some fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme to dress up your platter. If you are adding ingredients that may have liquid such as olives or cornichons, use a tiny bowl to keep them separate. Don’t forget to add cheese knives. Provide cocktail toothpicks and utensils so everyone’s fingers aren’t touching your food. Crackers and slices of crusty bread or crostini will round everything out.
Once you make a few charcuterie boards, try something more creative. Make it look like an artist’s pallet by isolating circles of colorful food. Try an ice cream charcuterie by arranging an assortment of toppings like sprinkles, gummy bears, and hot fudge. Again, there are no rules!
We would love to see our readers take on charcuterie boards. Send us your pictures for inspiration. Your comments, questions, and pictures would be welcome. Send to shorelocalgardener@ gmail.com.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
