First off, the cheeses and meats should be special. Artisan meats such as Italian salami, Spanish Ibirico ham or "jamon," or Saucisson Sec from France make a nice start. Crafted cheeses, like smoked Gouda, a classic Wisconsin Cheddar, or pepper-encrusted cheese contribute to an amazing snack spread.
To this hearty foundation, you can add mixed nuts or a favorite seasoned nut, olives, gourmet jams, fruit spreads, or preserves, a unique mustard or two, fresh fruits, and dried fruit. When your appetizers need to rise to the level of "heavy hors d'oeuvres," a nice addition is a delicious olive oil and crusty French bread. And for a complete spread, we suggest some delightful sweets such as chocolate morsels or shortbread cookies. Finally, because we're GiftTree, we suggest a lovely bottle of wine when it's right for your gifting occasion.
The accompaniments that are typically included with a charcuterie board vary depending on the type of charcuterie being served. Generally, a charcuterie board will include a variety of artisanal meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and soppressata, as well as a selection of cheeses, such as cheddar, brie, and gouda. This is the perfect time to try the olives from Spain, the buffalo sausage, or the authentic pancetta from Italy. For the adventurous crowd, maybe even add some game flavors such as venison jerky or elk summer sausage. The ideal cheese and charcuterie presentation is a collection of specialty flavors and ingredients beyond what you can pick up in one trip to the grocery store. After all, there's a world of delicious flavors to explore!