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This is the time of year when gathering and entertaining is at its peak and this year I am beginning with a Friendsgiving dinner party.
Are you wondering what kind of appetizer to serve for your next party or brunch? Look no further than this charcuterie board because it can have anything you have on hand such as cured meats, cheeses, spreads, nuts, pickled (or fresh) veggies, fruits, chocolate, cured fish, nuts, mushrooms, etc. It keeps your guests busy for a while so you can finish up your dinner meal prep. Plus the cheese and wine will warm up your guests, I promise.
Charcuterie boards don’t have to be a complicated project. This charcuterie board is full of flavors from savory to sweet. There are hundreds of ways to build a cheese platter. It is true that a cheese board is a welcome addition to any party, holiday gatherings, or other social events.
And there is no way it can be prepared incorrectly. From symmetrical to asymmetrical, from sweet to savory or a combination of both flavors. It's all good. The inclusion of seasonal bright colored fruit is always eye-catching and makes your board look more elegant, healthy and expensive.
I believe that this is something everyone can do based on any BUDGET, TASTE PREFERENCE, and EXPECTED CONSUMERS (YOUR GUESTS).
What is a Charcuterie board?
Charcuterie is a display of a variety of cured meats with things that compliment the meats such as sauces, mustard, pickled veggies, breads, etc. But these days it's become more popular with different items present on a charcuterie board. And to be honest, the cheeses became the biggest part of the board, from inexpensive things such as spreadable cream cheese even vegetable dips (vegan option) baba ganoush to the most fancy blue cheeses.
What you need for a Perfect Charcuterie Board (cheese platter)
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make an eye-catching spread. Here are some tools that make displaying and serving easier.
The board – anything will do. I have many of them and it depends on my mood that day as to which I will choose to use. Lol, very significant, right?
Serving utensils – you can use specialty cheese knives and mini forks or tongs.
Mini ramekins – too serve moist items such as mustard, jam, jellies, honey, olives, pickles, etc.
Basket with bread/crackers - these items are just as important than what is on the board so choose something that has a clean taste such as water crackers, good sourdough bread, bread sticks, crostini made from a true baguette, etc.
How to choose Cheeses for a Charcuterie Board (cheese platter)
There are more than 1800 different types of cheese from all over the world. They are generally categorized by milk, texture, country of origin, flavor and preparation.
When you create your own cheese platter, think about the variety of textured flavors. 3 to 5 cheeses is more than enough. I served more than that at my Friendsgiving and some guests brought cheese too. It was a cheese paradise for me. Lol.
That's what I showed in my video-tour. There are many different types of cheese that can be used on a charcuterie board. I went heavy on the blue cheeses that day, by providing 3 options, but you don't have to use them at all.
Spreadable Cheese - cheese balls you can make yourself. Inexpensive but most people don't mind it.
Soft Cheese – my favorite for a cheese board is French raw milk Blue D'auvergne, but Brie is a more common cheese for this category. This cheese is our everyday type of cheese. My baby Matrona has loved it since she was 8 months old. Chèvre goat cheese is great for the holidays. Another inexpensive option would be marinated mozzarella balls.
Hard Cheeses – one of the most popular picks for a cheeseboard is Manchego (sheep milk) or Parmigiano-Reggiano (raw caw milk) because it pairs really well with fruit, crackers, and cured meats. It’s mild, nutty, and pleasant. However, if you like something less expensive a very tasty option is an Artisan white cheddar which I love to dice for added texture on my board. Hard Gouda is another great option for your buck.
HERE IS THE LIST OF MY CHEESES:
Raclette with wild Garlic
Artisan Cheddar cheese with champagne notes
Raw milk Parmigiano-Reggiano
French raw milk Blue D'auvergne
French Saint Agur
Valdeon from Spain
How to Build a Charcuterie Board (cheese platter)
Start with the savory side and move to the sweet side of your board. Try to pair the cheeses with complimentary things such as olives and jams.
Add fruit and arrange it around the cheese that compliments both flavors. Fill out any empty spots on your board with nuts.
NOTES ON SERVING
If you are expecting a large group of people, make sure to label the cheeses on your cheeseboard to make it easy for guests to select the ones they like. You can make your own or buy these very cute chalkboard labels online.
This cheese platter can be assembled earlier in the day, covered, and refrigerated. It is recommended to serve cheese and cured meats at room temperature. Therefore, take the cheeseboard out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your holiday with friends, family and good food.
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