The Charcuterie Board is one of the most popular summer dishes available at the Elm Hurst Inn & Spa and Idlewyld Inn & Spa.
Our Charcuterie Boards feature delicacies like thinly sliced prosciutto, Bresaola, Capicola, Gorgonzola cheese, mixed grilled Caponata, glazed balsamic Cipollini onions, pickled vegetables, heirloom tomatoes and Kalamata olives, served with artisan mustard and grain harvest bread.
Our Chef Davies explains that the word charcuterie comes from the French terms ‘chair’ (flesh) and ‘cuit’ (cooked). It refers to the art of making preserved, cured, and smoked meats, as well as sausages, terrines, and pâtés – usually from pork – and is one of the classical cooking techniques used to preserve food before the era of refrigeration.
Today, this culinary specialty is enjoying a resurgence as people rediscover traditional methods and local foods.
But you don’t need to have access to a gourmet deli to enjoy your own Charcuterie Board at home. Just follow these simple tips:
Start with a beautiful board
An eye-pleasing presentation will give your spread some extra appeal, so start with a wooden board or formal serving platter, a selection of mini serving bowls or dishes, cheese & pate knifes, and mini forks.
Include a variety of tastes and textures
When it comes to assembling your Charcuterie Board, anything goes!
Most boards include a selection of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, chorizo and sausage. Add some creamy pâtés or a terrine and a selection of your favourite cheeses. This is a great opportunity to try something local!
Pickled vegetables are a wonderful complement to meat and cheese. Go beyond olives and gherkins and try some marinated artichoke hearts, pickled green beans or cocktail onions!
Add something sweet
Yes, you’ll want some mustard on your board, but apricot jam, fig jam or even honey offer a sweet surprise.
You’ll also want to include some fresh and dried fruit and nuts!
Go for gourmet bread & crackers
You can’t go wrong with a fresh, sliced baguette. But this is a great opportunity to try some of the delicious artisan crackers and flat breads available at most grocery stores. Don’t forget to include some gluten-free rice crackers!
Gather your friends…and enjoy alongside your favourite wine, beer or cocktails….
What is your favourite way to entertain in the summer?
Visiting southwestern Ontario? Discover our historic Inns in Ingersoll, Ontario (Elm Hurst Inn & Spa) and London, Ontario (Idlewyld Inn & Spa).
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