Artistic snacking

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/09/2021 (1100 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The art of grazing is taking a bite out of meal preparation. 

Charcuterie boards are all the rage – and for good reason. They offer flexibility, quick prep times and the ability to add whatever ingredients you have on hand. 

You can simply start by artfully arranging an array of meats and cheeses, and then adding other finger foods such as fruits and nuts.

These culinary creations can also be tailored to suit the tastes of different diners, with opportunities for gluten-free, pork-free, vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly spreads.

“It is a great option because charcuterie boards are a definite crowd-pleaser. They can be something you make quickly. All you need is some tasty meat and cheese,” said Cassandra Carreiro, owner of a Winnipeg-based gourmet charcuterie catering and delivery company called Sharecuterie.

“You can also have some fun and add your own personality in there by making it as esthetically pleasing as you would like – maybe with some meat or cheese roses – or by choosing unique flavours that appeal to you.”

To prepare for surprise guests dropping by the cabin for an unexpected visit (dependent on pandemic restrictions, of course), it’s worth investing in a few key ingredients to create an easy-to-please snack platter. 

Must-have ingredients

For adults, Carreiro suggests starting with cured meats such as salami and prosciutto. With cheese, you can be adventurous and try some unique options or stick with tried-and-true favourites like old cheddar, Brie or classic Bothwell flavours. 

She also recommends adding some pepper jelly, which elevates the overall board at an affordable price. Other mouth-watering additions include honey, pretzels, pickles, crackers, grapes and berries. 

For youngsters, Carreiro envisions a kids’ board with cheddar cheese, salami and crackers, as well as an assortment of fruit, veggies and dip. 

And without a doubt, an artful presentation is all part of the fun. 

“Everyone loves a nice-looking charcuterie board. It’s almost like creating an art piece,” she said. 

“You can play around with colours and textures, depending on your vibe, mood and theme of your get-together.”

With a focus on supporting Manitoba businesses, Carreiro strives to buy local whenever she can – and she encourages others to do the same.

“It’s just a bit fresher and you can taste the difference when it is made by a local or smaller business. However, when in a pinch, there are some good grocery store options as well,” she said. 

“You do not always have to break the bank to make a great board.”