The Art of Charcuterie
By: Rebecca Crawford
This year, my mom delegated me the task of putting together an Easter Candy Charcuterie board. Complete with two different kinds of peeps, chocolate-covered eggs, chocolate bunnies, and jelly beans it made for the perfect snacking pit-stop between the living room and the kitchen. My mom’s Easter charcuterie board seems to be only the latest in a trend that is charcuterie board popularity. Over the past year, the meat, cheese, and fruit trays are commonly seen are family gatherings, holidays or a night in with friends. But what are charcuterie boards? And how do I know what to put on one? Let’s establish a difference between a “charcuterie board” and a “grazing board.” A charcuterie board is traditionally filled with more meats and cheese, with some additional vegetables added into the mix. A grazing board varies more in that it does not always include meat. Typical grazing boards will be filled with more nuts - like cashews and almonds and bread, jams and other spreads. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to your creations. Personally, I love adding all varieties of meats, cheese, olives, jams and nuts onto my grazing boards. Charcuterie is the French word for “cut meat”; traditional charcuterie boards feature various cured meats like salami, prosciutto and pepperoni. Different textures and varieties of meat give those enjoying the boards some different options. Acidity pairs well with meats - adding in mustards or pickles also help to spice up the board. Adding in cheeses and crackers will give more variety and help to enhance flavors. Often used interchangeably for “charcuterie board” are grazing boards. These are very similar to the above-mentioned charcuterie board but tend to have a bit more in the way of fruits, cheeses and dips and could be much less on the meat varieties. Either of these is perfect for any (socially distanced, COVID-safe) event you may be having. Below are some tips and tricks to prepping and creating your own charcuterie/grazing board! Make Your Own Below are some helpful tips that I have found when making my boards to enjoy with friends or even by myself! Think about how many guests there will be? Are there any food intolerances/allergies? What foods are in season? Pick out a fun tray, along with some pretty bowls to add in dimension and draw attention to different parts of the board. Choose 1-2 types of meats, nuts, fruits and veggies. Add in a couple of varieties of crackers and some bread. To complement the crackers and bread, add in jams or jellies! Cut and assemble to food in a way that is fun to look at, and so it lays nicely on the board. Take some time to arrange everything, so the colors and flavors all compliment each other!
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