QUICKIE CHARCUTERIE BOARD

The holidays are here and that likely means unexpected guests at some point. This is the time of year when we visit with people that we don’t have the opportunity to see a lot because we’ve all finally decided to take time off, wind down, and enjoy the company of those we love. So how do we make sure we’re the hostess with the mostest and not stressed when you get a text or phone call that says, “I’m in neighborhood. I know it’s last minute, but I’d love to come by and see you.”?

When people stop by with short notice or even unannounced, they usually don’t expect to be fed. But if you’re like me, you want guests to feel welcome, and it’s just in your blood to pump them with food and alcohol. Flashback…On Halloween, I decided (at the request of my oldest son), to host about 12 kids and at least one of their parents in our NYC apartment. I had grand plans for a beautiful charcuterie board for the adults, along with wine and a few other fun beverages. As “luck” would have it, the nurse called as I was icing and decorating spider web cupcakes, to say my youngest had a fever and needed to be picked up. Long story short, he wasn’t really sick (they need a new thermometer at the school), so I took him back to school after a quick stop at the pediatrician. But that was 90+ minutes of my day that I never got back. So the charcuterie platter had to be a quickie and wasn’t really what I had planned. I believe I assembled it in about 15 minutes flat.

So what’s the lesson here? Fortunately, I had some things on hand, many from everyone’s favorite store, Trader Joe’s, to make a beautiful and diverse charcuterie platter. And although it wasn’t part of my master plan, it still impressed our guests. How do I know? Much of it was gone when it was time to go trick-or-treating. Lucky for you, I’m going to share my list of things that you can have on hand so that you can whip together a charcuterie board that will delight your guests, even if you have only 15 minutes notice. The key is to stock things that won't spoil in a few days. You also want them to delight the taste buds, even if you didn’t make them from scratch. They should also be easy…things that you can eat with your fingers. You want a mix of sweet and savory, soft and crunchy. I’m going to list the items below and make a gallery for your reference while shopping—a picture is worth a thousand words, right? Please pardon that the images are not high quality. I suppose Trader Joe’s is able to keep their prices low by not spending on photography!

Trader Joe’s Items

Rosemary or Truffle Marcona Almonds, Dry Salami, Prosciutto (I actually like to get San Daniele prosciutto elsewhere, but TJ’s carries a vacuum-packed prosciutto that is fine if you want to have it on hand), White Truffle Potato Chips, Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Slims, Roasted Garlic Hummus, Less Guilt Pita Chips, Marinated Olive Duo, Cornichons, Dried Turkish Apricots, Italian Breadsticks, Brioche Toasts, and Pita Bite Crackers.

Items Typically Found at Whole Foods

Fromage d’Affinois Brie Cheese (you must get it when it’s oozing/bulging between the rinds so it’s nice and creamy), Aged Manchego, English Stilton, Fig Spread (goes nicely with all of these cheeses. And again, if you can get San Daniele Prosciutto easily, it’s my favorite.

You can obviously get fruit anywhere, but I suggest the following because they stay fresh longer in the refrigerator, making them ideal for unplanned guests. Apples (get a few limes so you can squirt some fresh juice to keep the apples from turning brown…it’s also a nice added flavor), blueberries, and seedless grapes.

To arrange, just try to mix up the colors and don’t place things next to each other if they’d taste funny if they touched. You can also place the pita chips next to hummus so your guests don’t have to think too much. Use a big wooden cutting board or piece of slate as your presentation base.. A large ceramic plate will do, as well. And make sure you have plenty of small bowls/ramekins on hand to keep certain things contained. Cheese knives are also a good investment. And don’t forget the cocktail napkins.

For beverages, make sure you have the following on hand: a medium-bodied red wine that’s drinkable alone (I like pinot noir), white wine, beer (again, something easy like Corona), and sparkling water (I’m addicted to Spindrift Raspberry Lime). Always nice to keep a few lemons around to slice and liven up the still water in a pretty glass pitcher.

And finally, if you want additional tips for entertaining this holiday season (for gatherings you have more time to plan), check out a recent post from a fellow blogger who I love, Katherine Matza of Corporate Feminine. She’ll even tell you what music to add to your playlist.