Charcuterie - It's Trendy. And for Good Reason.

carasvetkovich
Jun 8, 2023
2 min read

I have to admit, there is nothing that gives me more joy at an event than to see a truly kick-ass #charcuterie board. I've given a lot of thought to what it is that makes me swoon. Sure, it's got all the culinary goods...meat, #cheese, fruit, olives, pickles...but it's the plethora of colors and textures artfully arranged that really makes my heart skip a beat! It's like a gallery exhibition for a #foodie and #Gouda is the muse.

Antipasti has the power to set the stage for the evening. Like the opening credits of 1940's motion picture, an #antipasti display tells your tummy what to expect. The Italian singular antipasto translates to "before the meal," and its purpose was to open your palate and whet your appetite before the main dish. And if you have a host that has taken the care to provide you with one of these culinary canvases, you know you're in for a delectable evening.

Charcuterie and Antipasto are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they aren't truly the same thing as their origins hail from France and Italy, respectively. But one thing is for sure, the #millenial's take on the trendy mashup of these #delicatessen delights is as satisfying as listening to #WaxAudio's musical mashup of Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall Part II and The Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. Try listening to that while noshing on a #cornichon and a nutty #ParmigianoReggianno. MIND. BLOWN.

So, exactly how does one craft one of these picture-perfect, palate-pleasing, conversation landscapes? My motto is that, like with all good art, there are no hard and fast rules. Sure, you'll find plenty of people quick to tell you that three cheeses are a must. Or, even five for good measure. And many will say that your prosciutto should ideally be folded into delicate little rosettes like a sort-of cured meat #origami. But, I call BS on these requirements. Hate prosciutto? Serve up #soppressata instead. Love a crunchy baguette, but you aren't quite into brie? Pair it with a nice harvati.

Serve what you love to the people you love and THEY WILL NOT GO HUNGRY.