Way down Yonder on the Charcuterie Boards – or whatever Alan Jackson was singing about! Charcuterie boards, cheese boards, grazing table, fancy Lunchables, or even the “shark coochie” board, there’s no denying how popular this form of entertaining the hungry masses has gotten!
With lovely salami roses and luscious displays of cheese, crackers and nuts they are just as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
But, uh, what are they? The good folks over at eatcuredmeat.com (the finest in cured meat websites of course) tell us a little bit about the history:
“In the 15th Century, the French created charcuterie, which involved using offal and all aspects of the meat. The traditional process of using salt to cure meats dates back to the Roman empire nearly 2,000 years ago like for salumi such as prosciutto.”
So that tells us a little, but what do you mean “all aspects?”
“This is inclusive of the animal’s organs as well as its more traditional sources of meat like the hindquarters and underbelly. The development of this practice came from the desire to not let a single portion of the animal go to waste. Instead of using only the “good” portions of meat, butchers and cooks were able to practice the art that became known as charcuterie.”
Oh. I see. Well then.
History aside, don’t be intimated by these complex looking edible works of art, I’ve gathered some helpful TikTok videos to get you started in the right direction with your Charcuterie Boards.
