Latest News

05Dec

Put the ‘cute’ in charcuterie

Hosting a charcuterie picnic is a delightful way to impress guests or simply enjoy a relaxing summer day. Here’s how to create a beautifully arranged and delicious platter that’s sure to please everyone:

1. Choose your board

Start with a sturdy wooden cutting board for practicality or opt for a slate board or ceramic platter to add a modern touch.

2. Select your meats

Pick two or three cured meats—prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and bresaola are all excellent choices.

3. Add cheeses

For variety, include a mix of textures and flavours:

• Soft: Brie or goat cheese

• Hard: Havarti or gouda

• Bold: Blue cheese

4. Incorporate fresh & dried fruits

Add a burst of colour and sweetness with fresh fruit like grapes, berries, or apple slices, and complement with dried fruits such as apricots, raisins, or dates.

5. Include nuts & seeds

For extra crunch, add almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Pumpkin or sunflower seeds also provide variety and texture.

6. Add crunchy elements

Mix in different textures with crackers—think thin crisps, breadsticks, or water crackers—and some slices of fresh baguette or sourdough for a heartier option.

7. Condiments & spreads

Include a few condiments to balance the flavours:

• Chutneys for that full-bodied burst of flavour

• Honey for drizzling over cheese

• A mix of green and black olives for a briny touch

8. Arrange it all

Start with the larger items like cheeses and meats, then fill in the gaps with fruits, nuts, and crackers. Keep things visually balanced by mixing colours and textures.

9. Garnish

Fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme add aroma and style. If available, edible flowers make for a stunning finishing touch.

10. Serve

Pair your platter with wine, beer, or a refreshing beverage of choice, and enjoy the perfect picnic!

Feel free to adjust based on your guests’ preferences or dietary restrictions.

Related

Ikebana: The art of Japanese flower arrangement

Ikebana: The art of Japanese flower arrangement

Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, which emphasizes minimalism, harmony,...

Read More
New device could help identify disease outbreaks

New device could help identify disease outbreaks

Lincoln University will play a significant role in identifying plant, animal and disease outbreaks a...

Read More
Making their own luck

Making their own luck

For the Currie family of Methven, the capacity for hard work, the love of family and the mental disc...

Read More
Lead from the front with new tetraploid

Lead from the front with new tetraploid

Agriculture is changing fast, but staying one step ahead of the pace is about to get easier for you,...

Read More
Instore Days is back for 2022

Instore Days is back for 2022

This year’s Ruralco Instore Days will be held on Thursday 7 July and Friday 8 July, with deals avai...

Read More
Spray options open up for farmers

Spray options open up for farmers

In a social media ‘news’ environment where fiction can quickly be taken up as fact, consumers want...

Read More




Account Selector