The Art of Charcuterie, aka ChARTcuterie
My sister and I spent time at my aunt's house when I was a kid. This particular aunt is my mom's sister, and we call her Auntie. She was like a second mom as a child. So every summer, I spent what seemed like weeks with my cousins. We did everything together.
On many occasions, we would sit around the table and eat what I consider the '90s version of charcuterie. Bologna, pickled bologna, and assisted cheeses. I LOVED pickled bologna as a child.
Fast forward to adulthood, about 20 years in the future, chefs (in my current career) have slowly introduced me to my love of cheese. And with my growth in love of cheese, an introduction to charcuterie.
I feel like charcuterie is the ultimate adult Lunchable. You can pick everything you love and put it on a tray/board/plate of your choice and make the best snack or meal (because you are an adult and you can call it dinner if you choose). I have made this a part of our Thanksgiving day, easy to throw together to snack on all day to cover "lunch" before the big meal.
Charcuterie can be whatever you want it to be, but what I choose is the following:
CHEESE!!
Sharp cheddar
Colby jack
Havarti Dill (a must)
Something smoked
Something spreadable
Boursin
Pickled items (Yum!)
Mini dill pickles
Banana peppers
Sweet cherry peppers
Black olives
Stuffed green olives
Meat (for the meat eaters)
Salami
Capicola
You can even add bologna if you choose!
Dips (I like to select 1 or 2)
Something cheese
Anything else that sounds good on a cracker
Crackers (whatever sounds good)
Something pretzel-like
Something pita like
Toasted garlic crisps
Other things you can add:
Dried or fresh fruits
Whatever sounds good
Nuts
If it sounds good to you!
Some other cute charcuterie options I found on Pinterest!