Ahhh Summer weather as we Kenyans know it is on the horizon and we can’t wait! It has been so cold the last couple of weeks and we all know that this kind of weather just makes you want to be cooped up in front of the tv with a warm cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate whenever we are free and not leaving the house at any point let alone hosting guests.
With warmer weather, we always cheer up and are always in the mood to be around our loved ones with good food, good drinks, joy and cheerful laughter all around us. Hence, the perfect time to whip up the perfect Charcuterie and Cheese boards!
Show me someone who doesn’t like a good charcuterie board and I will tell you that they are not a good host. Charcuterie boards are not only beautiful to look at but they are easy to make and the best part is that no cooking is involved. Just shopping for the ingredients and arranging your board tastefully.
Charcuterie boards are known to be easy to make and they save you a lot of time plus depending on how good your board arrangement and presentation skills are, they will earn you major hosting points.
So what makes a good Charcuterie/Cheese board?
The primary difference between a Charcuterie board and a Cheese board is their ingredients. Charcuterie basically refers to various meat products, while Cheese board refers to a selection of cheeses served together.
Besides needing a wooden board you will need tiny bowls to hold your more aqueous ingredients.
Here is a favorite 8 ingredient Charcuterie board recipe courtesy of skinnytaste.com. Just remember to note the quantity of your ingredients based on the number of guests you will be hosting.
Produce
1 Colorful variety of fresh and dried fruit such as grapes
1 Herb, fresh
1 Veggies on the side, roasted and fresh
Condiments
1 Spreads
Nuts & Seeds
1 Variety of nuts such as pine nuts
Dairy
1 Variety of soft and hard cheese options such a brie
Prepared
1 Olives and colorful antipasti such as delallo garlic and pepper antipasto, cured
Other
variety of sliced cured meats and salami such as Sweet Sopressata
Now that we know the secret to the perfect Charcuterie board, here are a couple of our favorite images coutersy of Pinterest to motivate your Summer hosting.
PS: Charcuterie boards pair well with good wine, so don’t forget the wine.
Now, go forth and shock your guests with your perfect Charcuterie making skills. Happy hosting!