| WINE | CHOCOLATE | FLAVORS |
| Rhubarb | White chocolate | Tart and fruity with sweet |
| Blackberry | Milk chocolate | Fruity richness with smoothness |
| Merlot | Dark chocolate | Dark fruitiness and richness |
| Syrah | Semi-dark/dark chocolate | Round rich fruitiness and depth |
| Gatina Preta port style | Carmel/semi- dark | Deep rich notes and fullness |
| Framboise Chocolat port style | None | All its own fruitiness and deep depth |
Holiday parties means cheese/charcuterie boards. These simple, messy assemble of yummy cheeses, charcuterie, sweet fruits, crisp crackers, nuts, and spreads are the easiest way to entertain. There is something for everyone in the best boards and combinations of sweet and savory with creamy can’t go wrong. For the cheeses select 3 to 5 different types. A few staples to have are a soft cheese like brie or semi-soft such as havarti, a firmer cheese such as aged cheddar, fontina or smoked gouda, and I also like to throw on a strong blue cheese because I like it. You can get fancy and find some new cheese at a local creamery or you can go to chain supermarkets and get a variety of delicious cheese. One to two different cheeses such as goat cheese rolled in spices, or chili infused cheddar can really add a special touch.
Along with cheeses, savory elements like olives, pepperoni, salami, nuts add some depth. Almonds, spiced peanuts, or walnuts add crunch and counters the creaminess of the cheeses. If not vegetarian add charcuterie like pepperoni, salami, and/or prosciutto. I always like some olives or olive spread and sometimes pickles or pickled vegetables.
Sweet elements are also needed. Fruits such as slice apples, pears, figs, dates add this sweetness but don’t forget honey or jams. Dates with blue cheese and drizzle of honey is an amazing flavor combination.
Last but not least are the crackers and breads. Select a few different types of crackers and/or thicker bread to layer on all of the various combinations that can be created from a board. Garnish with some sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or other herb.
Wine – serve a red like Merlot or Syrah that can combine with the various elements and add their own notes. A fruit wine like blackberry or blueberry add some of the sweeter elements. A wine spritzer with the berry wines and club soda provide a pleasant easy drink to compliment the board.
Some Ingredients:
- 8 ounces brie
- 8 ounces blue cheese, cut in wedges
- 6 ounces smoked provolone, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces Pepper Jack, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 6 ounces of spicy salami
- 1 (6-ounce) package rosemary artisan crackers
- 10 baby apples – sliced
- 1 cup grapes
- 1/2 cup pistachios
- 4 figs, halved
- small jar of apricot jam or honey
- 4 sprigs rosemary
Directions:
- Arrange on wooden board or platter and garnish.
