Need ideas for your next dinner party? Assemble a charcuterie board!

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.

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.

The most common and recognizable charcuterie boards contain:

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Putting a charcuterie board together takes just a few steps.

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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?

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.

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

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)

Photo by Mads Eneqvist on Unsplash

Alcoholic Drinks

• wine (red, white, sparkling, rose)

• beer

• cocktails, like mimosa (orange juice + sparkling wine)

• spiked cider (cider + spirits)

• whisky or bourbon

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.