Have you heard about charcuterie? If you are a foodie, then you probably have. For others, you may not know all the ins and outs of this growing trend.

Charcuterie is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, crackers, and other foods. It has taken the culinary world by storm. This delightful practice which originated in France, has become a popular trend at gatherings and events. For seniors and baby boomers, creating a charcuterie board can be a fun and rewarding activity that brings people together.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of charcuterie, its rise in popularity, how to get started with creating your own charcuterie board, and where to attend events or learn more in the greater Philadelphia region.

Origins of Charcuterie

“Charcuterie” comes from French words describing cooked meat. It refers to the preparation and preservation of meats, primarily pork, through methods such as curing, smoking, and drying.

This practice dates back to the 15th century, when it was developed as a way to preserve meat before the advent of refrigeration. France is certainly known for all of their cheeses. And a wide variety of delicious, cured meats are also staples in French cuisine.

Over time, the creation of charcuterie boards evolved into a culinary art form. The art part was arranging all of the delicious ingredients on a tray or board in an appealing fashion. And so, serving the charcuterie board became a dining experience.

Rise in Popularity

In recent years, charcuterie boards have become a trendy and visually appealing addition to social gatherings. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has played a significant role in spreading the word about this trend, as people love to share photos of their beautifully arranged boards.

The versatility and creativity involved in assembling a charcuterie board make it a popular choice for entertaining guests, whether it is for a casual get-together or a special occasion.

Getting Started with Your Own Charcuterie Board

Creating your own charcuterie board is easier than you might think. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Board: Select a large wooden or marble board as your base. You can also use a platter or a tray. And for a large gathering, some people use the entire table as the “board”.
2. Select Your Meats: Include a variety of cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. Aim for different textures and flavors.
3. Add Cheeses: Choose a mix of hard, soft, and semi-soft cheeses. Popular options include cheddar, brie, and gouda.
4. Add Crackers and Bread: Provide a variety of crackers, breadsticks, and sliced baguettes for guests to pair with the meats and cheeses. It is good to have a plain option as well as a whole grain or something with a different flavor, shape or texture.
5. Include other goodies: Add complementary items like olives, pickles, nuts, and dried fruits. These add texture, color, and flavor to your board. And fresh fruits and vegetables like grapes, berries, and carrot sticks can add a burst of color and freshness.  You can also add dips,  sauces or garnishes in little bowls or dishes. Mustard, hummus, guacamole, and jam are common choices.
6. Arrange Thoughtfully: Arrange the items on your board in an aesthetically pleasing way. Group similar items together and fill in gaps with smaller items like nuts and berries. Some people even fold and twist their ingredients to look like flowers or other interesting shapes.

What is the 3-3-3-3 Rule?

Some people create their charcuterie boards around a theme like a sporting event, retirement celebration, or holiday.  And it is common to hear about the “3-3-3-3 rule” for creating your board. Following this guideline can make it easy to get started on charcuterie board creation for older adults. And you can always add to your board to get the flavor mix and look you want.

• 3 Types of Meat
• 3 Types of Cheese
• 3 Types of Crackers or Bread
• 3 Types of Accompaniments

The general rule is to Plan for approximately 2–3 ounces of meat and cheese per person. This can be adapted to fit your occasion, other things being served, and your attendees’ preferences.

Where to Attend Events or Purchase a Charcuterie Board

If you’re interested in learning more about charcuterie or attending charcuterie workshops, there are resources in the greater Philadelphia area and online:

• Cheese Chick LLC: Carolyn Bracalenti is the “cheese chick”. You can purchase lovely charcuterie boards on her website and see some of the latest creations on her Facebook page. She also holds hands-on workshops at local wineries and Longwood Gardens.  You can attend solo or gather some friends and make it a fun outing.
• Charcuterie Chic LLC: This other local business offers beautiful and delicious grazing displays for events and special occasions. They also provide workshops where you can learn the art of creating your own charcuterie board.
• Online orders:  If you want to order a charcuterie board online for yourself or to send as a gift, check out boarderie.com and Harry and David, among others. They both ship nationwide.

Creating a charcuterie board is a wonderful way for seniors and baby boomers to explore their culinary creativity and enjoy delicious flavors. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, a well-crafted charcuterie board is sure to impress.

Bon appétit!