charcuterie. pronounced "shahr-ku-tuh-ree”

switching things up a bit here on JDC. i was having some major cravings for a charcuterie board lately and after weeks of debate i decided i couldn’t go on any longer. plus, we all deserve to treat ourselves a lil right?! i am a HUGE snacker, i mean my lunch bag when i did go to work was ginormous. that’s why charcuterie boards are one of my fave things to indulge in. simply because it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. very profound. i know. i think they make great conversation boards as well (no pun intended) since you can technically sit around, chat, and munch on it for a good amount of time since it isn’t a hot plate or anything you need to consume quickly. or it could just be for ONE. ahem. add a glass of wine and you’re good to go. ah, charcuterie boards make me the happiest gal! more after the jump and after the disclaimer that i’m a self-professed charcuterie board expert. mainly the eating part. i digress.

side ramblings: last week i previewed the @mozartscoffee light show! this year it’s by reservation only from 6-11PM and the treats were so good! i highly recommend the cookies, bread pudding, cinnamon sugar pretzel (it’s a big as my face plus some), and cocoa bombs to-go! it was also time for christmas decorations to go up here in casa JD. actually, the tree went up before halloween… so.. yes, i am that woman. 😁 while it’s my favorite time of the year, 2020 holidays are gonna look slightly gloomy, but let’s all make the most of it amirite?! OH HEY, if you haven’t watched @schittscreek on netflix you needa get going on it!!!! according to to the buzzfeed quiz, i’m David 🤣

currently on my playlist: lost without you by Freya Ridings

how to make a charcuterie board -- jannadoan.com

you can find most of these items at Central Market, Whole Foods, or a local cheese shop. for this board, i went to my local cheese shop @antoinellischz & good ol Trader Joe’s!

cheese

i like to go with three cheeses. a brie, a fresh ripe cheese, and a hard cheese. pictured L to R in 0.25 lbs:

brie | Brilliat Savarin — a triple cream brie. triple cream is literally all i will buy since i love CREAMY cheese. i also love Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam. the creamier, the better.

fresh ripe | Pure Luck June’s Joy — this is a fresh goat cheese with honey, black pepper, and thyme. Pure Luck is in Dripping Springs, TX! it is all kinds of amazing. i can also eat this spoonfuls alone to the mouth. Boursin cheese is sold everywhere and a great pick! the pepper one is YUM!!
hard | Black Betty — goat milk gouda that is only available this time of year so i had to try it. i tend to like hard cheese with a crystalline texture. another really affordable and great option is the Kerrygold Dubliner Irish Cheddar Cheese (i mean you can get it at Target and Costco!).

meats

ah, i love me some cured meats. i’ve tried a lot of prosciutto but i can’t seem to find a pre-packaged sliced one so i always get it freshly cut. i’d also add cotto if you are feeling it! pictured L to R:

prosciutto | Speck Alto Adige — dry-cured and light smoked pork hind leg so it’s more of a cured ham i guess. but if you see San Daniele you should def get it! i may try the Acorn Fed Prosciutto next.
salami | Olympia Provisions Finocchinoa — traditional italian style salami with garlic, black pepper, and fennel.

olives etc…

mmm time to pack on the olives and pickled stuff! i missed out on adding cornichon (mini pickles) this time.

Castelvetrano Olives — these olives are so good and perfect because they are buttery and rich. my go-to for a board.
Red Peppadew Peppers — my gosh these are so good. a little bit of spicy and sweet!
Trader Joes’ grilled artichokes — simply because, why not? plus, perfect for pastas.

fruit & nuts

basically, add any fruit you want here. play with fresh and dried fruits! fruit helps balance out all the cheese and salty meats. pictured L to R:

Trader Joe’s marcona almonds — these are with rosemary and add a nice crunchy, buttery texture. so yummy!
Trader Joe’s soft & juicy mandarins — well, these just looked good in the dry fruit aisle at TJs. I would also get dried tart cherries too!
Fresh grapes — no explanation needed.
Trader Joe’s dried apricots — Turkish apricots are usually standard but i liked the individual packaging of these.

bread & spreads (no rhyme intended)

water crackers are also a good option, but i think i’ve decided i’m more of a baguette kind-a-gal. plus makes me feel so french and i did just watch Emily in Paris. feel free to even add chocolate, mustard, olive oil!

Trader Joes’ fig butter — anything fig is a great addition to a charcuterie board. pairs so perfectly with brie. i may have to try blackberry jam or apple butter sometime!
Honey — great for layering and dipping for a touch of sweetness.
Baguette — because we’re adults. this one is from Easy Tiger and they bake it fresh for Antonelli’s, daily!

misc

lastly, arrange it all on a cutting board! i used these new ones i got from costco, the MIU 2-piece composite cutting boards (currently on sale!) and available on amazon. use ramekins to separate/hold items, these are great. i also purchased a cheese knife to make it all legit because butter knives are just way too long and clunky. Laguiole is the golden standard here and my fave since i also have their steak knives! #nomnomnom

hope you enjoyed this one!,
JD