What is Charcuterie?

The formal explanation for charcuterie would be, chair, 'flesh', and cuit, 'cooked'. It’s a French term for a branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, like bacon, ham, or sausage. 

My informal way to explain charcuterie is finger foods, but the fun way to explain charcuterie is an adult Lunchable! If you were a 90’s kid, you vividly remember the excitement you had when you opened that clear plastic box filled with yummy ham, cheese, and crackers. If you were lucky enough, you might have had a Capri Sun and a Snickers candy bar too! If a Lunchable doesn’t make you feel nostalgic, I don’t know what does!

The French word for a person who practices charcuterie is charcutier. Sounds fancy right? When I started making charcuterie boards, I quickly realized I had been making a variation of these for years, as a stay at home Mom. If you are a Mom (or even a Dad), I’m sure you can recall the many snack plates you’ve made for your children for a snack or even lunch and dinner! Meat, cheese, crackers, fruit, and veggies (if you’re lucky-they eat vegetables!). What is the difference? How you assemble the elements of charcuterie. Switch out the child’s plastic plate and replace it with brown kraft paper and wooden boards and you’ve got a spread that will impress anyone-young or old!

One of the reasons I love charcuterie boards is how versatile they are. From high end cheeses to more affordable options such as cheddar and colby jack cheeses-it is customizable to suit your needs!

Now that you are knowledgeable about charcuterie, let’s gather around the table and eat!