Always ensure to have at least 3-4 different types of cheese and meats on the platter to satisfy different palates.
Here are some guidelines when it comes to choosing cheeses.
Fresh & young: Think fresh or lightly aged goat cheese and ricotta.
Bloomy rinded: Earthy, typically soft and creamy, with a fluffy white rind like Brie.
Semi-firm: Creamy, smooth texture, and rich flavor similar to Havarti.
Firm & aged: Hard texture – can be crumbly – and lingering nutty flavor like aged Parmesan.
Blue: Creamy texture, with a pungent aroma and a sharp, salty bite.
Recommended Charcuteries include prosciutto, peppered dry salami and Genoa salami.
While cheeses and charcuterie are the stars of the platter, you also need a variety of fillers, these items can be fresh fruit, dried fruit, olives, nuts and chutneys.
Once you have selected your cheeses, meats, fillers, fruit and crackers in a methodical manner start placing them on your board or platter.
Recommendations for how to assemble the perfect charcuterie and cheese plate for your guests.
Recipe by Jillian Fenton of Simple Sassy Scrumptious