Have you ever seen a dish that looked so enticing that you couldn't wait to grab a bite?
What is your favorite item on the board below?
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Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular. They're served as full meals, at cocktail parties, on picnics, and even on some airplanes! Charcuterie creations are an easy way to create an impressive food board that guests can share at any gathering. Their versatility makes them a "go to" for any event.
What Is a Charcuterie Board?
A charcuterie board is a platter of various food items. It's usually served before a meal or at casual gatherings, but can be served after a meal or as the meal itself. Charcuteries can be simple or complex.
History of the Charcuterie
The term "charcuterie" comes from the French word for "cooked meat." It evolved in the Middle Ages with French "charcutiers" perfecting the craft of cured meats.
In the modern era, the charcuterie has expanded to include cheeses and accompaniments, like jam and pickled vegetables.
Charcuteries can be modified to reflect events and culture.
Components of a Charcuterie Board
The most common and recognizable charcuterie boards contain:
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How to Arrange a Charcuterie Board
Putting a charcuterie board together takes just a few steps.
Image created by Adeesha Hack via Canva. To hear an audio description of the image above, select the play button on the audio player below:
Charcuterie Board Variations
In the previous section, you got an idea of the common charcuterie. Today, there are many variations of the traditional charcuterie board.
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Which charcuterie board could you easily create?
Quiz
Which of the following food items could you include on a charcuterie board?
Beverage Pairings
When creating a charcuterie, think about the beverages you will serve alongside your board. Choosing drinks can be as much fun as creating the board itself.
Think about the items on your charcuterie board and select beverages that complement the food.
For example, if serving a breakfast board, you may choose coffee, tea, orange juice, sparkling water — or all of them. If serving a dessert board, you could serve a dessert wine or flavored tea.
Non-alcoholic Drinks
still water or sparkling water
fruit juices (orange, apple, mango, etc.)
lemonade
flavored water (add cucumbers, oranges, berries)
tea (black, green, or flavored)
coffee/expresso-based drinks (latte, cappuccino)
Alcoholic Drinks
wine (red, white, sparkling, rose)
beer
cocktails, like mimosa (orange juice + sparkling wine)
spiked cider (cider + spirits)
whisky or bourbon
Quiz: Ava's Charcuterie Board
Ava is having a three friends over to her home. She wonders what to serve for them once they arrive.
After some thought, Ava puts a charcuterie board together. This is her first board. She is proud of her accomplishment.
Image created by Adeesha Hack via Canva
Ava's Food Choices
Ava's charcuterie creation has a number of food items:
a block of cheese
shredded cheese
olives
pickles
hummus
a whole chicken
a loaf of bread
crackers
tortillas
guacamole
strawberries
cranberries
figs
cashews
pickles
Since this is Ava's first charcuterie board, she knows it can be better. Let's help her.
Quiz
How can Ava improve upon her charcuterie board? More than one answer may be correct.
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