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!

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The Ultimate Vegetarian Thanksgiving