The art of charcuterie comes from France and it is the act of preparing various types of meats and presenting them in diverse ways. Some examples would be sausages, terrines, galantines, ballotines, and pâtés. Charcuteries are actually a kind of delicatessen-type shop, and the act of plating these delicacies at parties didn’t come to America until the early 1900s.
At first, people only served them at the fanciest of dinner parties. But as informal dinner parties increased in popularity, charcuterie boards became less prevalent. It wasn’t until the1990s that charcuterie took off once again, and in response, delis and grocery stores diversified their products to meet the demand. Now, that they’re back in vogue you can impress your guests with a beautiful charcuterie board display. Here are some great tips on how to host your own charcuterie board party.
Charcuterie Board Basics
The purpose of a charcuterie board is to create a variety of flavor profiles using things typically made in the art of charcuterie. If you want to stick to the traditional side of things, serve a combination of classic meats, nuts, cheeses, jams, fruit, gherkins, crackers, or French bread.
Remember that the food you serve is going to be sitting out for quite some time. While crackers, bread, jams, nuts, and brined foods can stay out, some meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit can’t. Therefore, it’s best to stick with dried fruits. Additionally, the meats you serve should be cured varieties that you can leave out, and you should also choose cheeses that don’t need refrigeration.
Have Fun With Your Food Ideas
Charcuterie is all about engaging in a little bit of delicious luxury, so don’t be afraid to have fun with your food ideas and do it your way! In fact, if you want to, you could ditch the board altogether and serve everything on a table with separate plates. You don’t have to stick to one kind either–there are a variety of charcuterie boards for you to choose
from, and you can be as fancy or as casual as you want. The important thing is to enjoy what you’re eating and have a unique tasting experience that’s a little different from usual party foods.
Keep Your Guests in Mind
It’s important to ask your guests if they have any food allergies or preferences. Different religions, diets, and allergens can make a charcuterie party difficult to plan if you don’t have the right information. In fact, if you have guests with a variety of allergens, ditching the board altogether and serving things separately is the way to go. This way, nothing
touches. Here’s a great tip. If you want to get everyone in on the fun, ask if they want to bring their own charcuterie boards made to their liking to share. Everyone will have something that they like and can enjoy when you do this.
The Wrap Up
Hosting your own charcuterie board party should be a fun experience where everyone gets to nibble and share their favorite combinations. The ultimate goal of your charcuterie party should be to have a great time and enjoy a fun new way to eat as you socialize with friends and family.