(n.) Charcuterie
shar-KOO-tər-ee
Charcuterie: the French word meaning cured meats. Over the past few years, the term "charcuterie" has evolved beyond its French roots, and these days you might hear it called a cheese board, grazing board, snack tray, or adult Lunchable. 😉
There are no rules to follow here, simply use our loose outline for how to build a cheese board. And don't forget the essential ingredient for any board:
Fortune Favors candied pecans!
Step 1: Choose the Cheese
No need for anything fancy—just slice up some of your favorites! Many cheese board enthusiasts recommend three different types of cheeses to round out a board. Some of our Wisconsin favorites are: Emmi Roth, Hook's Cheese, Sartori, and Marieke.
Step 2: Add the Meats
Traditional charcuterie boards have cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and Spanish chorizo. 2023 cheese boards might even have summer sausage, or cold cuts shaped into flower petals. Fear not, vegetarians! Excluding meat means you'll have plenty of space on your board for more accoutrements!
Step 3: Assemble the Crackers
A crunchy, dry starch like crackers, bruschetta, or bagel chips pair perfectly with the dense flavors of cheese and cured meat. Remember, there are no rules here, just use what you have in your pantry!
Step 4: Fill with Fortune Favors candied pecans!
We're partial to candied pecans because, well, we make the best in the world! 😇 They're sweet, salty, and perfectly delicious, with flavors that will cleanse your palate after a bite of cheese or a handful of dried cherries. Diversify your board with other nuts that you love like cashews, almonds, or pistachios.
Photo featuring Fortune Favors candied pecans courtesy of Madison Cheese Boards.
Step 5: Add anything else!
Your cheese board should be about what YOU love! Whether you use the string cheese in your fridge or buy the fanciest aged Gouda you can find, your board will be a masterpiece. Add any combination of olives, pickles, dried fruit, veggies, chips, and chocolate to create the best appetizer, dinner, snack, gameday spread, or centerpiece at your next party.
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