Ah, Thanksgiving—a time when we gather not just to give thanks, but to feast like there’s no tomorrow. Picture this: a charcuterie board that’s as colorful as a fall sunset, overflowing with savory meats, creamy cheeses, and bursts of fruit sweetness. I remember last Thanksgiving, my aunt brought a board so impressive it could have been a work of art, and ever since, I’ve been obsessed with crafting my own edible masterpieces.
Steps
- Begin by selecting a variety of salami, such as Sopressata, Calabrese, and Genoa, and slice them for easy serving. Arrange the sliced salami on one section of a large platter or cutting board.
- Choose your cheeses, opting for sharp and crumbly Parmesan, crowd-pleasing Cheddar, and local favorites like cheese curds. Slice or cube these cheeses and position them next to the meats.
- For the pickled elements, gather cornichons and pickled onions, placing them in small bowls to prevent their juices from spreading. Add Castelvetrano olives to another bowl for a mild and delightful option.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits like sliced persimmons, whole mandarin oranges, and apple slices. Scatter these around the board to bring vibrant autumn colors and fresh flavors.
- Add dried apricots and candied orange slices for a sweet contrast, distributing them evenly. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and pecan halves between other items for added texture and flavor.
- Sweeten the board with maple leaf cookies and Thanksgiving pie truffles, arranging them in gaps for visual interest. Place a small bowl of honey nearby for drizzling over the cheeses.
- Finally, include a selection of crackers or toasted bread, filling any remaining spaces. Use fresh herbs as a garnish for a final touch of elegance and aroma.
- Once everything is arranged, serve the charcuterie board immediately to enjoy the combination of flavors and textures, ensuring an inviting start to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of sliced salami (types: Calabrese, Genoa, Sopressata)
- 12 ounces of sliced or cubed cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, cheese curds)
- 1 cup of pickles (cornichons and/or pickled onions)
- 1 cup of olives (preferably Castelvetrano)
- 8 maple leaf cookies
- 8 Thanksgiving pie truffles
- 3 peeled mandarin oranges
- 2 sliced persimmons
- 1 sliced apple
- 4 ounces of crackers
- ½ cup of dried apricots
- ½ cup of sweetened dried orange slices
- ? cup of honey
- ? cup of pecan halves
- ¼ cup of pomegranate seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1486mg | Potassium: 408mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- What are some items to avoid on a charcuterie board?
- While the possibilities for a charcuterie board are vast, there are certain items you may want to steer clear of. Avoid overly strong cheeses that could dominate other flavors, ingredients that spoil or melt quickly at room temperature, or messy items that are challenging to eat without utensils.
- What is the 3-3-3-3 rule for a charcuterie board?
- The 3-3-3-3 rule is a guideline for creating a visually appealing and taste-balanced charcuterie board. It involves selecting three types of meat, three types of cheeses, three types of carbohydrates (breads, crackers, etc.), and three types of accompaniments (like mustard, honey, pickles, olives). This rule serves as a helpful starting point, but feel free to tailor it to your preferences and the size of your gathering.
- How can you fold turkey slices for a charcuterie board?
- To fold turkey slices for a charcuterie board, consider forming small rosettes. Fold each slice into thirds lengthwise, then roll it up from one end to create a rosette. Although turkey slices are skipped for this Thanksgiving board (since you’ll likely have turkey for dinner), this technique is great for other occasions.
- What are some tips for preparing a Thanksgiving charcuterie board in advance?
- You can slice the meats and cheeses ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the board. Place wet items like olives and pickles in small bowls to prevent their liquids from seeping into other items. Additionally, use extra fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to garnish the board for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- How can you serve a Thanksgiving charcuterie board?
- You can serve the Thanksgiving charcuterie board in a traditional way on a large cutting board or platter. Alternatively, consider using the ingredients to create individual charcuterie cups for a more personalized serving option.
Tips
- To maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mixing, store sliced meats and cheeses in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the board.
- Use small bowls for any wet ingredients like olives and pickles to keep their liquids from spreading to other items on the board.
- Enhance the visual appeal of your board by garnishing with leftover fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, from your Thanksgiving cooking.
- When shopping for your board, focus on incorporating items that feature fall colors like oranges, reds, and browns to align with the Thanksgiving theme.
Equipment
- Large cutting board or platter: Essential for arranging and displaying the charcuterie items.
- Small bowls: Useful for containing wet items like olives and pickles to prevent seepage.
- Cheese knives/set: Helpful for cutting and serving various cheeses on the board.
- Serving tongs or utensils: Useful for guests to easily pick up items from the board.
