Feature
Artful Food
Pisgah Picnics can either bring charcuterie boards to a local outdoor destination or offers a location for community members to enjoy their services. Photo submitted
Local Women Skillfully Create Charcuterie Boards More than just meats and cheeses arranged in a pleasing way, charcuterie boards have skyrock-
eted in popularity on social media in the last year. With the help of a few local businesses, High Country residents are surrounded by a bounty of local meats, cheeses and fruits to suit their tastes. At their most basic, charcuterie boards may have any combination of
meats, cheeses, fresh and/or dried fruits, crackers and breads, spreads, nuts, brined items like pickles or olives, and a little something sweet. All of this is usually spread out on a serving tray in a layout that’s both art and function, encouraging pairings for cheese and meats. Especially now, vegan and vegetarian boards are often available as well. However, pairing ingredients and laying them out is an art
that can take practice. Arden Harter, a Banner Elk native who owns local charcuterie company Boone Boards, said her first arrangement in 2015 was “ugly,” but served its purpose: providing a simple appetizer to let off some of the stress of making her family’s holiday meal. Her family loved Continued on next page July-August 2021 | 27
