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Charcuterie Made Simple

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Charcuteries are easy, make-ahead appetizers for any party. With a variety of items, everyone can find something they love to enjoy on the board. Make it colorful with items you love. Get creative! Photos below are from several I have made. I keep it low-carb with items I choose. Start grazing and sharing.
Course Appetizer, Brunch, Holidays, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Agave Nectar, Berries, Cheddar Cheese, Cheese, Crackers, Cream cheese, Cured Meats, Dried Fruit, Goat Cheese, Grapes, Hummus, Nuts, Pesto, Pickles
Prep Time 30 minutes
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 2 Wooden Cutting Boards End to end to make one extra long board
  • Sharp knife
  • Cheese Knives
  • Small Serving Forks and Spoons
  • Small bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 Bunch of Grapes I usually place this in center to add height. Any kind works.
  • 3-4 Cheeses A nice wedge of cheddar, a tangy cheese such as a blue, and a soft cheese like Boursin. You can include a small wheel of Brie or a log of goat cheese. Think of different shapes.
  • 2 Types of Crackers I like to add low-carb options like Whole Foods Seeded Crisps or Norwegian Crispbread at Trader Joe's. Look for different textures.
  • ½ Toasted baguette Cut super thin and top with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • 3 Cured Meats I prefer Italian meats such as salami , pancetta, and prosciutto.
  • 3 Dried Fruits I like figs, dates, dried cherries, and raisins.
  • 3 Fresh Fruits I like apple wedges, berries, oranges, and kiwis
  • 3 Nuts I like Marcona almonds, roasted pistachios, and walnuts. Any mixture will work.
  • 1 Tbsp Agave Nectar or Honey
  • ½ Cup Olives and / or Cornichon Pickles Any pickle you like.
  • Balsamic Vinegar or syrup
  • ½ Cup Pesto
  • ½ Cup Hummus
  • ½ Cup All Fruit Strawberry Preserves Or your favorite jam.
  • 2 Tsps Lemon Juice
  • ½ Cup Chocolate Covered Nuts Optional but everyone loves a little chocolate! Skinny Dipped brand is low in carbs
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO

Instructions

  • Gather all your ingredients / tools to assemble boards.
  • Center grapes in the middle of the boards.
  • Place cheeses near 3 corners like anchors. For added taste and color, top each cheese with either 1) a balsamic drizzle, 2) jam mixed with lemon juice or 3)nuts with a drizzle of Agave. This last one is yummy on brie.
  • Add cured meats near cheeses. Roll into logs with or without cheese, or fold into triangles to give texture and height.
  • Fan crackers and toasts near the sides.
  • Spoon hummus and pesto into 2 small bowls and place on boards.
  • The fun part is getting creative by sprinkling any or all of the remaining ingredients. There is no right or wrong here folks. The deli/specialty areas of your grocer will have even more ideas to add.
  • The crazy part for me is trying to fit everything I want on the boards! It's okay to crowd and layer ingredients. This really adds interesting flavors together. Drizzle with EVOO before serving. Graze away!