Charcuterie – the latest in meats, cheeses, et al. Charcuterie is premium with variations worldwide. Charcuterie, pronounced as Shar-Koo-ta-Ree – originated in 15th century France and when translated means – products of a fancy pork butcher. Today though, Charcuterie has moved beyond pork to include all kinds of meats – lamb, duck, chicken or turkey – and even an assorted variety of cheese, plant-based meats, vegan foods, fruits, nuts, etc.
Though born in France, Charcuterie has had its cousins all over the world in the form of – ploughman’s lunch (England), antipasto (Italy), meat-and-cheese plate in America and comfort meals across the continents. Charcuterie has now left its humble beginnings well behind and is seen on world menus across 5 star hotels, fine-dine restaurants, pubs and most premium lifestyle homes
Create your own Charcuterie boards or platters
Charcuterie to put it simply is a variety of small portion or may be a large portion of your favourite meal or snack items. The essence is in various combinations by mixing and matching various or a single piece with related or contrasting dips, tastes, drinks, dressings or gourmet foods. This creation is then placed on a Charcuterie Board, but for those just starting out – a platter or plate would do just fine. We have Charcutiers and vendors who make it easy for you to have this exquisite experience by bundling it all in a kit, so you can just cash and carry whatever you choose.
You can let your imagination run wild and add different types, textures, temperatures and accompaniments when building your Charcuterie Board or plate. These could be a variety of meats, bakes, cheese, veggies, sauces, etc. A huge spread of Charcuterie fare now available. While ordering or buying Charcuterie meats, apart from different types, you have forms too – sliced classics like ham, headcheese, salami or soppressata. And traditional smoked or cured sausages, frankfurters or cocktails. You may also choose a pate, terrine or roulade. Don’t be flabbergasted, these are just finely ground meat spreads. Traditionally, these pastes were made from pork, cattle or whatever meat was available, today you have a larger choice with exotic meat spreads of venison, bison and boar also available.
The cheese varieties available include hard, soft and all types of cheeses in between. Take you pick from mild cheddar to potent blue cheese or sweet, spiced and savory kinds. Baguette bread slices are commonly used, but options like fruit bread, brown bread, pizza breads, hand breads, crackers, loaves, pita or multigrain crisps are available. When it comes to fruits, no more is one restricted to seasonal ones. Fresh imported fruits and nuts are easily available at the friendly neighbourhood deli or supermarket preserved fruit options like dates or figs. You can also have a choice of peaches, avocados, plumbs, prunes…. throughout the year. Finally, top it off with tiny quantities of condiments such as mustard sauce, sweet pickles, aioli, bruschetta, cocktail onions, jams or jellies, marmalade, relishes, wasabi or any of the numerous dips and dressings available. These will add zing, compliment and contrast the tastes and flavours on your Charcuterie board.