New Year's Eve Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie. It's such a neat word. I just like saying it, char·cu·te·rie pronounced
/SHärˈko͞odərē/. Main and Vine describes charcuterie as an array of preserved and prepared meat dishes, such as cured sausages, hams, bacon, pâté and confit. The origins of charcuterie are simple: salting, curing and drying were the most effective ways to preserve meat before refrigerators came along. I won't be doing any salting, curing or drying meats myself, but I will be putting together some cured meats on board for our New Year's Eve celebration.

Appetizers are the new dinner party and a charcuterie board is the ultimate lets gather around the table eat, drink and be merry way to entertain. The holidays are about gathering with friends and family. We've got enough going on that to over complicate it. Festive is our mahantra! Bring out a charcuterie board and your guest will feel at home.

So now the question is how do I put this /SHärˈko͞odərē/ board together? Don't fret. I've got you covered. Here are some basic tips for assembling a charcuterie and cheese board:

• Pick a variety of meats and cheeses. Get creative with flavors and textures, from mild to hot meats and soft to hard cheeses.  Be sure to have different options for your guests. Not everyone may like bold flavors. Some options for meats: Prosciutto, Salami, Sopressata, Capicola, and Chorizo. Remember textures too - cheese options: Goat Cheese, Brie, Blue Cheese, Manchego, Aged Cheddar, Gouda, and Mozzarella.
• Add seasonal fruit:  Fresh in-season fruit adds that sweet salty thing and when you combine those flavors it's a happy taste bud explosion. Grapes, black berries, pears, figs, pomegranates, whatever is in season in your area.
• Jams or preserves: Include 1 or 2 jams or preserves to add another layer of flavor. Fig spread is a winner  and I like to include a hot pepper jelly or raspberry compote.
• Get briny with it: Pickled vegetables, like gherkins or pickles, olives, artichok hearts or pepperoncinis add some tang.
• Other spreads and nuts: Stone ground mustard, tapenade, pate, hummus and don't forget the nuts almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts. (Check with your guests for nut allergies.)
• Crackers & bread: Crackers, bread sticks, flat breads, baguettes and a gluten-free option. Choose ones that don't have a lot of extra flavors so your meats, cheeses, and spreads stand out. This adds the perfect amount of crunch.
• Garnish: Add some fresh sprigs of rosemary or sage to round out the charcuterie board.

Arrange everything on a wooden board. A cutting board works well.  

For a large gathering, use your charcuterie and cheese board as your centerpiece across the length of the table. This makes an outstanding presentation. Here we come 2018!!
​Enjoy.