January 20th is National Cheese Lover's Day, a day set aside for us to 'harvarti' a 'gouda' time! I LOVE cheese (probably more than I should), and I also love a charcuterie (shaar·koo·tr·ee) board. It might not be the easiest word to say, but the idea is simple enough. Meat, cheese, fruit, olives, and crackers on a tray. Pair the snacks with some wine and it’s a party! While these nibbles are tempting, there are a few cheeseboard rules to follow.
Do the math. Look at the number of servings on the board and the size of the group sharing the food to determine the amount you should take. Grazing is one of the best things about a charcuterie board, so feel free to go in for seconds or thirds but leave some for everyone at the table.
Use thongs, toothpicks, and forks, never your fingers. Charcuterie boards follow the same rules as other shared dishes. Use utensils to get food off the platter, once it’s on your plate, you can use your fingers.
As with all dining, the goal is to enjoy your food while not making a mess. Be careful with sauces and use napkins to keep your face and eating area clean.