With 2020 bringing a whole new feel to the holidays, we’ve been chatting about how we can simplify and enjoy the season. One way to simplify things is to take the stress out of the kitchen. Why not put away the time consuming, complicated recipes and stick with nibbles? Creating your own holiday charcuterie board is a great way to simplify things and maybe even give you the chance to try something new. We’ve invited local foodie friend and fellow blogger, Julie Ann Lemire, to share with us her tips and tricks on how to build your own charcuterie board….. bon appetite!
Hi there! My name is Julie Ann, but you can call me Jules! I am a high school student, food blogger / creator, CrossFit coach, and exercise enthusiast. I love to share my passion for living a healthy lifestyle with others by creating delicious and healthy recipes that everyone will enjoy.
Even though the holidays may look a little different this year compared to years past, we should still take the time to celebrate, unwind, and reset. The holidays are known as the most wonderful time of the year, for more reasons than one. Celebrating with our loved ones, listening to iconic Christmas music, and let’s not forget, really good food.
Some foods that make me think of the holidays include yummy treats, warm drinks, and of course appetizers. Appetizers are not an everyday thing, which only makes us appreciate them more on special occasions. In come charcuterie boards. Charcuterie boards are the perfect way to create some great tasting foods with many different flavour combinations to suit all your guests’ taste buds.
Step by Step Approach
I’m not going to lie, charcuterie boards can be intimidating to make at first, so if you are feeling overwhelmed by the assortment of crackers and cheese, you’re not alone! A step by step approach is the key to success in making a professional looking board.
What to Buy?
With an infinite amount of cheeses, crackers, cured meats, fruits, etc. It can be hard to choose what to get. My biggest tip is to not overcomplicate it. You don’t need eight different varieties of everything, a few different kinds of cheese, meats, fruit, and crackers will go a long way.
Health
Even though a charcuterie board may be seen as an occasional treat, that does not mean it’s all “unhealthy”, in fact, I think charcuterie boards can be a perfectly balanced option to serve to your special guests.
There are a number of ways to add some good nutritional value to your beloved board:
- Add fresh fruit. (Pomegranate, apple, grapes, pear, etc.)
- Add unsweetened dried fruit (When you are buying your dehydrated fruits, try to get the 100% plain ones, without added sugars, as they are naturally sweet and delicious already).
- Buy some whole grain cracker options. There are so many delicious brands of crackers with good quality ingredients.
- Don’t forget to add some veggies too! Adding some carrots and sugar snap peas paired with some hummus is a great way to get some nutrients in as well.
- Add a few raw nuts for some good heart-healthy fats.
- And for all of my olive lovers out there, make sure those make an appearance.
Last and certainly not least, do NOT forget to get some of the indulgent treats that you don’t have everyday. Like your favourite cheese (I’m a sucker for brie), chocolate covered almonds, or maybe a couple Lindors. After all, the holidays are meant to be a special time, and we should all make room for the little things in life that bring the biggest amount of joy
Creating Your Holiday Charcuterie Board
1 Grab a large serving platter that you will be using to create this fantastic art piece. You can use whatever kind of large plate with a nice flat surface. I use an extra large wooden cutting board.
2. Have a few small bowls that will hold some of your board content including hummus, jams, olives, etc.
3. Fill your bowls with whatever you are using them for and place them on your board. You have to start somewhere!
4. Then prepare your cheeses for the board. Cutting them into slices, or leaving a whole block of cheese with a knife (I do a combination of both).
5. Take your meats and role them tightly, or fold, again a combination is always fun!
6. Once you have a decent spread going, start filling in empty areas with some fruit and veggies. Things like grapes, raspberries, or some dried dates and figs make great fillers for those awkward empty spots.
Ingredients
The ingredients below are some of my favourite options to include on my charcuterie boards. But that’s where you are in charge of being the artist! Take some of these ideas and use them to guide you to your charcuterie board masterpiece.
Meats
Prosciutto, Chorizo and Salami
Cheese
Applewood Cheddar, Brie, Old Cheddar, Smoked Gouda and Havarti
Fruit & Veggies
Grapes, Pomegranate, Apple, Pear, Dates & Figs, Berries, Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
Dips & Spreads
Hummus, Guacamole and Boursin Cheese
Crackers & more
Seedy Crackers, Pretzel Chips, Rice Crackers, Fresh Baguette, Pita Bread and Tortilla Chips
Other Add Ins
Olives, Almonds, Pistachios, Cashews, Chocolate Covered Almonds
Must Make Baked Brie
Trust me when I say you will want to include this baked brie in your charcuterie board preparation. All you will need is brie, a chutney of your choice, and pecans.
- Preheat oven to 375 F
- Add your brie wheel to small baking dish
- Spread a generous amount of chutney on top
- Sprinkle with a big handful of pecan pieces
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes
Spread your baked brie goodness on your favourite crackers or a fresh baguette.
Now that you have all the tools to create a 5 star charcuterie board, have fun with it, and wow your lucky guests who get to enjoy it! With so many ways to customize it and make it your own, enjoy throwing together this super simple but super impressive spread. Happy Holidays everyone!
Thanks Jules! That was so fun and helpful as we enter Charcuterie….I mean HOLIDAY……season. 😉 Are you going to try creating your own holiday charcuterie board? Have you ever made one? What are your favourite things to put on yours? Leave a comment and let us know!
