I am a lover of platters. It's become much of my "thing". I will make a board for any meal, any event or just for no reason. My kids love helping create fun platters to graze upon while we enjoy more time as a family eating.
Chacuterie to me is more than just cured, meats, crackers, cheese and condiments. It's about creating a delicious journey to dive into. I enjoy shopping for new items to use and try while also exploring my fridge and pantry for items to use up. The possibilities are endless.
Here are some of my top tips to creating a "snack board" or "charcuterie" platter.
CHOOSE YOUR CANVAS -Pick a board, plate or platter appropriate to the size of your company. A small board would be more ideal for a date night while a 24" circular board may be better for a social gathering. I have several different sizes depending on what I am working with in terms of food or purpose of the meal (snack vs dinner for example).
COLOURFUL CHOICES - Pick bright colours, different shapes and a good mix of sweet and savory. This also means pick a mix of healthy items with a few fun treats. I always put something sweet on there just to lure the skeptics in. Once you hook someone into the board, there's no stopping them until the platter is empty.
USE THE SPACE - I love filling every inch of a platter with something. If I run out of items I may layer in fresh herbs, greens, flowers (edible ones) or seasonal items as garnish or spread out items a bit more to create a "full" appearance.
TRY SOMETHING NEW! -These boards are always a great way to experiment with a new fruit or cured meat you've wanted to try. Sometimes just having it on there may entice your platter to pair that pate with a baguette crisp and change you life.
IN SEASON IS BEST - choosing items that are in season will taste better and may be more affordable instead of imported goods. Shop your own garden, local market, farm-stand or shopping market. I love to explore farm-stands to gather in season goodies to enjoy while getting a good bargain.
GO BEYOND SNACKS - Explore breakfast charcuterie using smoked bacon, french toast and fruit or what about a taco spreads with all the fixings. Meal platters make for less dishes and encourage a family dinner serving style allowing for people to take only what they want.
Making these platters should be something enjoyable and fun to create. The best part about creating these boards is enjoying seeing everyone graze upon them. Relax and unwind, it's only one platter and maybe a few ramekins to wash in the end.
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