Thanksgiving Charcuterie

by Two Chums on November 25, 2020

If you’re planning an appetizer platter for your Thanksgiving gathering, also known as a charcuterie platter, we have some ideas for you today.

You can put together a great platter by following a few simple rules or ideas. Odd numbers of things work better than even. So for example pick three cheeses. Try to vary them by having a mild, a spicy, and possibly a sharp cheese. Make sure one is soft or creamy and the other two are harder cheeses. Add some crackers, either all one kind or at least a couple of kinds.

Pick a variety of fruits and nuts, choosing some dried fruits like figs or apricots or dates or dried cherries, and some fresh fruits like grapes or slices of pear or apple. Add either one kind of nut like a smoked or roasted almonds or some that are roasted nd some raw nuts as well. If you are using more than one kind be sure some are salted and some unsalted for variety.

Adding meats is a must to complete your charcuterie platter as that is really the original meaning of what a charcuterie platter or board is all about. Salami, prosciutto, and ham are all good choices. Simply roll them up and group them by the kind they are.

Then the last thing to mention is the one thing many people overlook. Add something sweet. Chocolate is ALWAYS a good idea. It could be chocolate covered nuts, or some kind of truffles, or nut brittle or toffee. Adding a bit of candy or sweets is an unexpected and very welcome addition to any charcuterie board or platter.

And there you have it. Follow those simple suggestions and you’ll have some very happy and satisfied guests. And just in case like may other people you’re struggling with the pronunciation of the French word charcuterie, you’re not alone but we can help with that too. It’s pronounced shahr-koo-tuh-ree.