I’ve gotten several calls lately asking for a quick but satisfying appetizer.  Something that is quick to put together and with no prep time.  My answer each time?  A Charcuterie and Cheese Board.

Charcuterie is just a fancy way of saying meats.  It is French and translates as pork meats but can really be any that you choose.

This is my go-to for almost every gathering we have at my home.  So many of these things you can keep on hand for last minute guests, a crowd pleaser for Sunday football games or an easy dinner for those oh-so-busy school nights.

I first saw this board at a friends home.  I was immediately obsessed and went the very next day to purchase my own.  I LOVE  so much!  I recently packed it and our Yeti Hopper filled with meats and cheese for a girls trip.  I volunteered to be in charge of the appetizer just so I could use this board.

My guide for a good Charcuterie and Cheese Board:

Choose a variety of meats.  Both soft and more dense.  Spicy and salty. I used pepper crusted hard salami and proscuitto for this one.  I’ve also used an Herbs d’Provence crusted salami as well.

Choose cheeses with flavor and texture.  I typically choose a Stilton with a fruit like apricot or cherry, a soft goat cheese, smoked gouda and my favorite, a Spanish goat cheese, Manchego.

Add salty items like olives and pickles.

Include a few fruits like sliced apples and figs when in season.

The piece d’resistance is a fig jam.  I love to spread a bit on a slice of Manchego and top with proscuitto.

For this board, I picked up some prosciutto wrapped mozzarella for a fun, time-saving element.  These and other items for this board were purchased at Trader Joe’s.  I served it with two of my favorite wines, Long Meadow Ranch Sauvignon Blanc and their Cabernet Sauvingon.

Happy Weekend!

xo

Alicia

Photos: Mary Summers-Hafner

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