Even though the holidays have come and gone, I have plans in the new year to have many gatherings with family and friends. One of my many 2020 (new decade) goals! Be more present with family and friends – hello more gatherings, not just for special occasions and holidays! For my first gathering I wanted to do something easy but delicious. Finger food is always a hit at any gathering but why not trade the grease for a beautiful charcuterie cheese board.
Build A Delicious Cranberry Charcuterie Cheese Board
What is Charcuterie?
Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. But, many people use the term charcuterie to refer to an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast, fruit, cheese, and sauces.
How To Build a Charcuterie Cheese Board
There is no right or wrong way to build the perfect charcuterie cheese board. Charcuterie boards are typically assembled on a slate or wooden tray. If you don’t already own one, don’t feel like you need to go out and buy one. You can also use a plate, a cutting board, or even a baking sheet. Any flat surface will work.
Cheese – Try to include a variety of flavors and textures by selecting cheeses from different families. Think about your guests, making sure you keep those picky eaters in mind.
Meats – Mix it up, again, think about your guests. Salami, Prosciutto, Pepperoni, chorizo and bresaola are all great options for a beautiful charcuterie.
Think Sweet – Add seasonal and dried fruits, candied nuts, preserves, honey, chutney,and chocolate.
Think Savory – Add hummus, olives, salted nuts, pickles, and roasted peppers.
Crackers/Bread – Include baguette, bread sticks, and crackers in different shapes and flavors.
Ingredients:
Condiments / Dips:
Cranberry Fruit Chutney
Honey
Garlic Hummus
Olives:
Jalapeno filled green olives
Traditional large black olives, pitted
Crackers:
Ritz Crackers
Sesame topped wheat crackers
Pretzel crackers
Dried fruit:
Dried Apricots
Dried Cranberries
Nuts:
Candied spiced pecans
Pistachios
Meats:
Thin-sliced salami
Prosciutto wrapped cheese
large thin sliced Pepperonis
Cheese:
Cubed colby jack cheese
Cubed Cheddar
Thin sliced white Cheddar
Brie round cut in half
Cranberry topped goat cheese
Fresh fruit:
Grapes
Blackberries
Raspberries
Garnish:
Fresh Rosemary
Items needed:
Cheese serving utensils
Small bowls or ramekins
Directions:
1. Begin by preparing the cheese if needed. Most grocery stores offer sliced or chunked cheeses in the deli section. Once completed set to the side.
2. Prepare the meats by slicing thinly. Set to the side.
3. Wash and pat dry all fresh fruit. Set to the side.
4. Fill bowls or ramekins with the chutney spread, hummus, olives and honey.
5. Place the small bowls on the cheese board. Then start to add fresh meats in a decorative pattern on the board.
6. Now add the prepared cheese, crackers, nuts and fresh fruit to the board in a decorative pattern. Keeping the fresh fruit by the sweeter cheeses like the Brie and goat cheese.
7. Fill in the blank spaces on the board with dried fruit.
8. Add the needed utensils on the board.
Be creative, have fun! Serve with wine, ciders or teas.
Perfect for holidays, ladies nights, or everyday entertaining, charcuterie boards are a fun, versatile, delicious addition to any gathering! I cannot wait to add another charcuterie board to my next gathering with family and friends.
What special ingredient do you add to your Charcuterie Cheese Boards?
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