On a hot summer night, sometimes the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the grill or oven and prepare dinner for the family.  These days, there’s another option that is quick, easy, and can also be creative and fun.

Charcuterie.

Whoa, slow down there, Maurice.  I’m not eating any weird pig’s stomach or cast-off chicken parts.

Not to worry.  While “charcuterie” is a French word (which actually deals with the art and science of preserving meats), the general term is used to describe an artfully presented collection of meats, cheeses, and other goodies to snack or graze on around a table with friend and family.

So, what exactly is on a charcuterie board?  In general, a charcuterie board consists of a variety of cured meats (like salami or pepperoni), cheeses, vegetables, nuts, olives, jams, and mustards.  Each item is cut up into bite-sized pieces, which makes it easy to handle and provides the opportunity to try lots of different things.  It’s perfect for a group or large gathering, but charcuterie can also be made for one or two people as well.

A well-balanced board is easy to figure out.  Most experts recommend a selection of three meats, three cheeses, three starches, and three accompaniments or sauces, but I cut it down even further, referring to my recipe for a good charcuterie board as “the nine” (two meats, two cheeses, two vegetables, one fruit, plus something sweet and something sour).  Add in a bowl of crackers and you’re all set.  When we’re in the mood for a quick meal, many times I’ll already have stuff in the fridge to quickly create a board, and before you know it, we’re sitting on the porch, enjoying a bottle of wine and noshing the evening away.

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to build a board, and they can be simple or lavishly artistic.  If you’ve got a plate, you can easily put together a quick selection, and not just with meats and cheese.  I’ve seen chocolate charcuterie boards, dessert boards, and even been to functions where they are all laid out on huge “grazing tables”.  They allow folks to sample all kinds of different items, plus everyone tends to gather around the food, which encourages conversation.

So, the next time you’re stuck for a weeknight or weekend dinner idea, take stock of what you’ve got in your fridge or pantry, think like an artist, and put together a charcuterie board for your next meal.  It’s a fun way to bring everyone to the table, and even works great for a dinner party or family game night.

Cheers!