Want to bring a little bit of Italy home to your kitchen table? Then learn how to prepare a charcuterie for your next family dinner or dinner party. Charcuterie is an interesting name which really only means a tray of meat products such as bacon, salami, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit.
Basically, all you have to do is put together the best of these meats and some great Italian cheeses for the perfect Italian charcuterie. For the cheese you can include Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Mozzarrella, Provolone or Caciocavallo.
Since Italians love to eat, they’ll love a selection of foods on the charcuterie, such as Italian cold cuts – especially salami and prosciutto San Daniele and Soppressata. Add in some olives, green, black or kalamatta.
Of course, now you have the cold cuts and the cheese, but you need the bread. What Italian charcuterie doesn’t have bread? But what kind? Homemade toasts rubbed with a good olive oil and a cut clove of garlic? How about Ciabatta or Focaccia? You can also add any variety of crackers, breadsticks or good old garlic bread, whatever suits you and your family or guests. Some hosts will even combine artisan bread, such as Crostini or Grissini as well.
Finish off the delicious plate with some sweetness – how about some fresh fruit, such as figs, melon, grapes or how about something for the crackers – jam or jelly?
Of course, you can do some research and switch up the charcuterie as often as you’d like, depending on your guests and the theme of your meal.
In addition to creating an Italian charcuterie board for hosting parties and family gatherings at holiday time, you can also create one to give as a gift. It’s a great way to bring home a little bit of Italy to give to your friends. Pair the board with a great bottle of one of the best Italian wines you can find to make the perfect meal.
If you would rather put together a charcuterie board in person – which means in Italy, of course – talk to your travel agent and start putting together a trip-of-a-lifetime now. In Italy, you can select the best cheeses, meats and, of course, wine.
Travel Makers MD