Are you that family member that gets asked to bring napkins or ice to Christmas dinner? It's okay, me too. Don't show up without the napkins, but a surefire way to impress this coming week (even if you aren't known for your cooking skills) is to create a picture-perfect holiday charcuterie board for family and friends to snack on before the big meal. Read on for a recap from Issue 1 of Elizabethtown Lifestyle on creating the perfect spread. Fab food photo by Clagett Photography.
The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family creating memories around the kitchen. Charcuterie traditionally was cured meats originating in France; Americans have adopted this delectable hors d’oeuvre and added elements to make it more our own. A curated collection of meats and cheeses is sure to impress even the pickiest of guests. Here are some tips for creating your own charcuterie board with locally sourced foods at Herb & Olive Market:
Begin with your base, a charcuterie board. We love this beautiful black number from FINE House & Garden; the local home store has a variety of sizes and types to choose from.
When shopping, choose a mix of sweet and savory options: We suggest two to three cheeses and three meats in a mix of textures. Here we have cured salami, spreadable chorizo, Herb Blue Blueberry Soaked Cheese, Applewood Smoked Cheddar and traditional brie, a soft cheese.
French baguettes and crackers pair perfectly with charcuterie. Add some olive oil infused with herbs, mustards and preserves such as this Bourbon Fig Preserve for the ideal dip.
Garnish with cherries or grapes (sweet) and a mix of olives (savory) to finish the board. Some of our H&O picks are Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives.
Strategic piling refers to grouping each element into overflowing mounds for a picture perfect, full feel.
Love natural foods and olive oils? Herb & Olive has everything you need.
Visit Herb & Olive Market at 32 Public Square in Elizabethtown.
Follow on your favorite social sites: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. In addition, you can tag us in your Instagram posts (#elizabethtownlifestyle)! We would love to see your delectable Christmas creations. Thanks so much for joining us and best of luck with your holiday preparations!
Lots of love Elizabethtown,
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