Spring has finally arrived, and what better time for parties, vernissages or simply a fancy cocktail hour with friends in your outdoor kitchen? Before you think of calling the caterers, consider doing it yourself. You don’t need to be a pro to impress your guests. When it comes to entertaining, charcuterie boards can give you the wow factor you seek without breaking the bank. Even better, they aren’t difficult to pull off. Here are some tips to help you master the art of the perfect charcuterie board:
The Essentials
To start your charcuterie board on the right foot, you’ll need some basic elements:
Cheese
You need at least 3 types of cheeses, but never more than 5. Have a good variety of textures, ages, tastes and originality. To be on the safe side, it’s often recommended to include some of your personal favourites, but don’t be afraid of the new. There’s nothing better than savouring something different. Plan for about three to four ounces per person.
Fruits and Vegetables
There are some optimal ways to arrange your fruits and cold cuts. Salami and grapes, for instance, go very well together. Try also rum-marinated pineapple, the perfect complement to dry-cured meats. For the rest, go with fruits and vegetables that are in season to ensure maximum freshness. Fruits with seeds are perfect: cherries, blackberries, strawberries, pomegranate, figs, salted olives and peaches. Pickles are also a classic favourite. For vegetables, carrots, radishes and cherry tomatoes are clear winners. You want to go for colour!
Cold Cuts and Sausages
For your cold cuts, think big! Mix textures and tastes, and calculate at least two ounces of meat per person to avoid running low. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Nice slices of sopressata
- Salami
- Prosciuttini
- Mortadella
- Coppa
- Salametti
Sides
For the perfect finish to your platter, don’t hesitate to garnish with your favourite tastes and colours. Fig, honey, apricot and caramelized onion-based sauces are safe bets and aesthetically interesting. Nuts such as cashews, almonds, pecans and even maple-glazed nuts are great. Add some crackers and you’re good to go!
For arranging your charcuterie board, there are no hard and fast rules. Be creative! Mix up shapes and colours, and don’t forget to serve with a good wine!
With the cold cuts at Aliments Roma, your charcuterie board is sure to be the talk of the party!
