From chair = meat and cuit = cooked; charcuterie is a branch of cookery that is dedicated to prepared meat products like bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galatines, ballotines, pȃtés and confit predominantly from but not limited to pork.
However, it is not simply about putting a bunch of deli meats, cheeses and fruits on a platter or board there is an art to it…you want to create contrast between the items in terms of texture and taste. Today we offer some helpful tips so you can properly curate your very on charcuterie board for summer entertaining.
Basic Meats…
1. Rillettes (similar to pȃté but much coarser in texture)
2. Mousse (finely blended meat and liver; very very smooth in texture)
3. Cured Ham (such as jamón ibérico, salami, prosciutto, etc)
4. Sausage (such as mortadella, chorizo, pepperoni, etc)
*Be careful when using smoked meats they can overpower all the other items; limit yourself to one smoked option for your guests! The same applies to cheeses and nuts!
Basic Boards…
When I get together with my best girlfriends, we create charcuterie boards for one another that reflect our tastes and highlight great local products as well as throwing in a few “fancy” or “exotic” items. Personally, I like to add wild game meat that I harvested myself. But, basically boards feature….
1. Pickles & Spreads
2. Cheese & Fruit
3. Vegetables & Citrus
4. Toast & Meat
*Our boards tend to be LOADED!!
Putting It All Together…
-Pair chewy with smooth
-Pair spicy with sweet
-Feature cold and warm
-Estimate about 2 oz of meat and accompaniments per guest
Tried & Tested Recipe…
Meat: Hungarian Salami, Prosciutto, Deer or Goose Pepperoni, Mortadella, Thinly Sliced Turkey, Freybe Herb Pȃté.
Cheese: Brie, Havarti, Gouda, Manchego and Mozzarella.
Antipasti: Black Olives, Garlic Stuffed Green Olives, Pepperoncini, Sundried Tomatoes and Gherkins.
Spreads: Wholegrain or Dijion Mustard, Fig Jam
Fruit: Dried Apricots, Craisins, Blueberries, Apples, Fresh Grapes
Nuts: Almonds, Cashews or Pistachios
Carbs: Baguette (sliced), Melba Toast, Breadsticks (soft), Breton Crackers
For those looking to experience excellent charcuterie at a restaurant rather than making a board at home we suggest…
Charcut Roast House in Calgary
Sabor in Edmonton