DATE-NIGHT IN QUARANTINE?
So here’s the deal folks.
About one year ago I met this guy on Hinge.
(Yes, dating apps do work on occasion)
This special person is the first human I have ever been with for one, whole year.
Despite the circumstances, I still wanted to have an anniversary date to celebrate our little milestone.
To set the mood, I transformed my sunroom, as much as I could, into a cute bohemian restaurant.
(Pictured here)
Charcuterie boards are
great
options for
socializing and
celebrating…
…whether that be with larger gatherings or as a dinner for two! I love how this “snacking meal” promotes leisurely eating and easily compliments conversation. Intuitive eating is one of my biggest principles as a Nutrition Coach, and this definitely checks all the marks. On another note, drinking has a tendency to skew hunger perception. Crafting a meal that can slow rapid eating decisions when enjoying a beverage or two, never hurts!
Bonus factors:
It looks impressive, tastes delicious,
and you don’t have to cook a single thing…
Now, Back to the details!
Digging around online, I came to the conclusion that charcuterie boards are typically compiled of these elements.
I’ve listed my own choices below the categories for clarity…
Charcuterie Boards for
Newbies:
3-4 Cured or Dried meats (1/4-1/2 lbs. each)
Prosciutto
Salami
Spicy Chorizo
2-3 Cheeses (4 ounces each)
Parmigiano-Reggiano,
“Unexpected Cheddar” from TJ’s (aka the best cheese ever)
3 Pepper Gouda
2-3 Vegetables
Cucumber
Red Pepper
Kalamata Olives
2-3 fruits, fresh or dried
Red Grapes
Fig Jam
(kind of a stretch, but it worked!)
1-3 dips or tapenades
Hummus
Spicy Mustard
Extras: Pickles, Crackers, Nuts
“Pita Crisps” from TJ’S
Crostini
Simple Instructions:
1) Place the meat, layered or carefully organized, on opposite ends of the board.
2) Place coordinating cheeses in sections near the meat.
To make it look “nice” leave some of the block on the board and chop a few pieces so that the board is more interactive later…
3) Stack veggies and fruit around the meat and cheese.
You can sort of drape the vines of grapes, and pile up the produce!
4) Add some light carbs!
I would recommend one multigrain or wheat option to make your meal more satisfying!
5) Scoop your dip into small bowls.
Side note: My roommate is a queen and let me borrow these little serving bowls from Anthropologie!
Other tips:
Be generous with your produce!
Try to assemble elements that are different, but still coordinate with each other.
For example, I had one “spicy” option in both my meats and cheeses
If alcohol is involved, pair with a sparkling wine like a Lambrusco or
pick something that won’t overpower the variety of the board…
I have to admit, I was nervous about how everything would “go together”
but I trusted the system and compiled it all together…
