Roswell City Lifestyle: When you're working with a client to create a beautiful presentation, where do you start?
JE: When I’m creating boards for anyone, it’s important to ask about allergies or food sensitivities first and foremost! I also like to know if anyone has favorite flavors or items, as well as items they don’t like. It’s important to consider the number of people you are serving for your charcuterie board too.
RCL: Balance, texture and taste all come into play for you. What new products and ingredients are you excited about for fall?
JE: Fall is my favorite season! The colors, textures and flavors of the season are truly inspiring. Lovely blues and purples, vibrant reds and oranges and deep greens can be found in so many fruits and vegetables and they complement cheddars, brie and goat cheese so well. Cooler weather brings warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg and each of those can be incorporated into cheese, jams and crackers. Citrus, figs, apples, pears are fall fruits that pair so beautifully with meats and cheese and look especially beautiful on a board.
RCL: We are all about shopping locally. Will you share some of your go-to purveyors with our readers?
JE: I’d love to give a shout-out to the local businesses where I shop for materials and ingredients! I’m a regular at the Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market and I’m happy to share some of my favorite vendors. Mountain Earth Farms for gorgeous berries and crisp, fresh veggies. Pops Produce for incredible varieties of peppers. Chang Family Farm offers unusual varieties of herbs and vegetables. Deep Roots has an incredible selection of charcuterie boards and accessories and a great variety of cheese, meats, nuts, jams, and crackers. They, of course, pair beautifully with the vast selection of yummy wines there. Oli and Vi have some locally produced jams and inspirational cookbooks that are some of my favorites. Evimero Marketplace is one of my go-to’s for unique boards and locally produced jams.
I love living in the Historic District with my husband and rescue dog. When I’m not shopping at my favorite boutiques, you can find me at our local restaurants and breweries or pushing my grandson in a stroller to play at our awesome parks!