Feature Image: Skara Smallgoods
Head to any party or gathering these days and you’ll no doubt be greeted by an overflowing display of meat, cheese, biscuits and sweets, all arranged effortlessly with only one purpose; to be devoured.
Yes, cheese platters or charcuterie boards as they are more formally known, have quickly become a must at any event, large or small with the boards themselves ranging from simple to lavish to the downright impressive.
Arranging a charcuterie board is somewhat of an artform so here are our 5 top tips to ensure you nail it every time.
QUALITY PRODUCE
When it comes to charcuterie, quality matters. Often eaten alone or paired with one other item, there is nowhere to hide when it comes to the quality of the produce. Luckily for us, South Australia has some incredible small goods producers so you can get fresh, locally sourced meats and cheeses with ease.
Another way to ensure quality is by buying Australian. Australian Pork has a handy guide on how to tell where your cured meats have come from in a few easy steps.
PICK THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS
Though it may seem that anything goes with a grazing platter, there are some items that fare better than others. And while the cheese, biscuits and various other add-ons are worthy candidates on any platter, it’s the cured meat that is usually the standout.
Dry, cured meats such as prosciutto, chorizo and speck are all wonderful additions while shaved ham and mortadella are also popular options and add a variety of textures.
The cheese is traditionally chosen to complement the meat, and again variety is key. Choose one or two hard cheeses such as cheddar and manchego as well as a softer type such as brie or camembert. This gives some different flavours and textures giving plenty of variety.
Consider whether your platter will be sitting outside or in the heat for extended periods as this may mean you opt for more hard cheese than soft.
FILL IN THE GAPS
Putting a platter together can get expensive so instead of trying to fill the whole plate with the star ingredients, fill in the gaps with some cheaper but equally as delicious items. Think nuts and seeds, sliced fresh vegetables such as cucumber, carrots and capsicum, crackers and even chocolate-coated fruit and nuts.
Bowls filled with dips, jams and spreads are also a great way to take up space on the board.
And there you have it! Follow these three simple steps and you’ll be impressing guests at your next dinner party in no time. And remember, have fun with it! Charcuterie boards are all about sharing and having fun, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine and shake things up a bit with your ingredients.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on what meats to include on your next platter, check out our guide to the most popular additions and the SA suppliers who make them.
