Charcuterie boards have always piqued my interest. Perfectly sliced meats, cheeses of every variety, dried or fresh fruits, olives, tomatoes. The list goes on and on, right? I've even seen candy and vegetable boards. But there's something to be said about a classic charcuterie board that beautifully presents meats, cheeses, nuts, and so on. Missoula is one of the best places to get locally made quality products, whether it be goat, sheep, or cow's milk cheese coupled with jams or jellies (Flathead cherry jam, specifically). There are so many local products to pull into one beautiful board for visiting family or friends, or even just to treat you and those closest to you. Here's the best way to make a board:
1. Find a wooden cutting board, slab of slate, tile, or any other smooth easy-to-clean surface to start the build. Keep in mind how many people this will serve.
2. Break out the salt. Olives, nuts, pickled things or pickles themselves.
3. Fruits & spreads. This is your jam or jelly section, or dipping oils for a more savory board. Dried or fresh fruit will fit the bill.
4. Bring on the cheese (most important part if you ask me). Go with several options on this one: Brie (for smooth, soft bite), cheddar (everyone's best friend), Manchego (usually nutty and firm), and a hard Italian cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano.
5. Your favorite crackers. Chips, bagel crisps, French bread, pretzels. Pick what suits you most.
6. Prosciutto, Genoa Salami, Capocollo, Mortadella. Stick with the staples, or serve up your hunting buddy's best local flavor!