Semi hard cheese choose 2-3 types: Gouda, White Cheddar, Manchego, Gruyere, etc.
1-spreadable cheese, I purchased Boursin Garlic Cheese*
1- 8ozpackage mini mozzarella cheese balls, Trader Joe's*
4ozCalabrese, uncured Italian Salami with red pepper and paprika, Creminelli brand
4ozFelino, uncured Italian Salami Creminelli
5ozCasalingo, Mild Italian hard salami Creminelli
1.5lbsgrapes, a combination of red, green and black grapes, seedless*
2-3kiwi, washed and sliced*
2persimmons, washed and cut into slices*
8ozblueberries, washed and drained
16ozstrawberries, washed and drained
8ozraspberries, washed and drained
1 8ox package dark sweet cherries*
1/2lbbaby cucumbers, cut into 1/2 inch chunks*
1/2lbsugar snap peas, washed*
1 8ozpackage baby beets, cut into quarters*
2baguettes, sliced
crackers, 1 package
almonds, dried and salted 1 lb*
seasoned cashews Thai Lime and Chili Cashew 1 lb, used about 1/4 lb
additional suggestions:
preserves such as marmalade, fruit spreads, honey, other jams, olives, small pickles (sweet and dill), mustards, sweet crackers.
Instructions
Gather board, small bowls, appetizer forks, spreaders, etc.
Clean the board or surfaces to be used and dry thoroughly.
Wash and thoroughly drain any veggies and fruits being used. Gently pat dry.
Unwrap any cheese and meat being used.
Slice cheese and meat.
Start at center of board and arrange items on board, Try to set contrasting colors and shapes together to create more visual interest.
Replenish board as needed.
Notes
-Arrange the Charcuterie board about 30 minutes before serving, it will give the soft cheese time to come to room temperature, which makes for easier spreading. -Little bowls, purchased at specialty stores, such as William Sonoma, Sur la Table, Target or Walmart are perfect for serving ingredients such as pickles, fresh mozzarella, beets and spreads. These items are better separated from other dry ingredients on the board. -You may use a small piece of parchment or wax paper to protect your board from grease found in meats or cheeses. -All of the * items were purchased at Trader Joe's