An impromptu Summer Alfresco lunch or dinner is always a great idea! When I am peckish but don’t feel like cooking a full meal in the heat of Summer, my favourite thing to serve is a charcuterie board. It is super quick and easy to put together and requires little or no prep time! And it sure is a change from the ubiquitous summer fare of burgers and hot dogs!!
A charcuterie board is also perfect for last minute guests, busy week nights or for that Sunday night when you have cooked all week long, but still want to close the weekend in style.
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MY GUIDE FOR A GOOD CHARCUTERIE AND CHEESE BOARD
The number one trick to a successful charcuterie board is to always have the following items in your fridge and pantry. Every time I hit the supermarket I make sure to add these to my shopping list. Furthermore, Steve and I love to explore our local specialty food boutiques to find the perfect product that can enhance our meals. So, here are the elements for a fantastic charcuterie board:
- Salty items
- Assorted olives
- Pickles
- Gherkins
- A jar of olive tapenade or Muffuletta
- Cheeses with flavour and texture
- Manchego
- Iberico
- Oka
- Smoked Gouda
- Cambozola
- Brie
- Camembert
- A variety of dry cured meats/cold cuts
- Serrano Ham
- Prosciutto
- Dry chorizo or salami.
- A good French paté
- Nuts
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Almonds (either smoked or candied)
- Fresh fruit
- Grapes
- Sliced pears
- Strawberries
- Figs
- A variety of crackers, pretzels and biscuits
- Wine or fig jelly
- A bottle of delicious, refreshing rosé or a well rounded white. If you are into bubbly: Champagne, Cava or Prosecco
NOTE: Occasionally, I like to add roasted asparagus with a dusting of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or slices of tomatoes and mozzarella, drizzled with a balsamic reduction and sprinkled with fresh herbs from the garden! We also love to grab fresh bread from our local bakery- either a French baguette, Ciabatta, Focaccia or any artisanal bread that catches our eye.
ENTERTAINING ELEMENTS
For Fall and Winter, I love to serve all the food on a wooden board. I find it exudes warmth and a certain rustic element that I love for those colder months. However, for Spring and Summer I always take out my white serving ware and marble boards. I find they give such a fresh and elegant vibe to my table, whether it’s just Steve and I or we are hosting guests.
I also love to take out my colourful placemats and napkins. After all, Summer is such a short season here in Canada so why not go all out! Enjoy!
SHOP THE POST
MARBLE CHEESE BOARD | ACACIA WOOD SERVING PLANK | RIEDEL WHITE WINE GLASSES | ROUND BRAIDED INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLACEMATS | RECTANGLE WHITE SERVING PLATTERS
Floral Fabric Napkins: Bought in Provence, France but similar HERE
KURTZ ORCHARD JELLY | PROVISIONS PEAR & RIESLING JELLY | CARM BLACK OLIVE PASTE
Looking for a quick and tasty one pot Summer meal that is awesome for the cottage, holidays and get-togethers? Click HERE
Bored with rice and potatoes? You will love these side dish recipes: click HERE, HERE and HERE
I am in Pinterest, too! Check out my FOOD board for more delicious recipes.
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Thank you so much for reading! XO, Lala
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your shopping convenience. This simply means that if you click on one of those links and then make a purchase, I may make a small commission from the sale. This does not result in extra charges to you- or cost you anything additional. As always, I only recommend products I know and love.
