Charcuterie: A Snack Before Dinner or Dinner Itself?

Although they were already familiar to Americans way back when, charcuterie boards regained popularity in the U.S. back in 1990s. Then when social media hit this became all the rage with foodies.

Cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts; something for everybody is the best way to describe this culinary experience. And while this describes the basic ingredients (give or take some extra items like jams, jellies, olives, etc.), presentation is also key. These elements all must look pleasing to the eye as well. It becomes essential that the creator of a charcuterie board possesses design and layout skills, otherwise they will just be randomly tossing items on a board, likely resulting in an unappealing mess.

My first encounter with “the board” occurred while the family was on a brief vacation to Solvang CA – that Danish-themed tourist trap — although it was at a restaurant in the nearby village of Los Olivos. Not one to dominate the menu choices for the table, I deferred the appetizer selection to my daughter. Having better taste than I do, it was her that originally brought this delicious potpourri to my attention.

So what ingredients would I choose for my charcuterie board?

For my meats:

  • Pepperoni slices, maybe the spicy kind
  • Salami, of the dryer variety
  • Prosciutto, definitely
  • Any other variety of cured meats: mortadella, capicola, etc.

For cheeses: (this list is endless in places like France, but I’ll limit my choices to five)

  • Camembert
  • Brie
  • Sliced cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • Swiss, in cube form
  • Gouda

For the crackers, bread or crispy item:

  • Ritz, boring but still delish
  • A sesame or other style of gourmet cracker
  • Crostini, or other toasted bread
  • Pita chips

For the veggies and fruits: (an abbreviated selection, of course)

  • Celery sticks, grape tomatoes, cauliflower, baby carrots
  • Strawberries, grapes, melon balls, kiwi slices
  • Pickles, olives, baby corn

For the miscellaneous items:

  • Nuts – cashews, pistachios, walnuts, glazed pecans
  • Jams/jellies – fig jam, jalapeno jelly, blackberry jam
  • Any kind of dip and/or spreadable (i.e. cream cheese, etc.)
  • Any kind of sweet treat; candy, chocolate covered nuts, cookies, etc.

And this is only a quickly thought-out example of what is possible. No limitations are ever implied as it is up to the individual creator to “own” their recipes for themselves.

Bon Appetit.