A Meeting of Moms: Monthly Charcuterie Club

It started with high school friends wanting to reconnect. We kept trying to schedule dinner together, but as busy moms our schedules kept getting in the way. Until, we finally were able to set a date. We ended up at a local place that offered Charcuterie boards along with beer and wine. As moms, we deal with Cheerios and macaroni and cheese, so this fancy option is appealing. And so it began, a monthly tradition of our Moms Charcuterie Club.

What is a Charcuterie board?

In simple terms, a Charcuterie board is made up of deli meat, various cheeses, dips, spreads, crackers, breads, pickles and sometimes fruit. It’s about balancing these items to include different textures and flavors. Balancing salty and sweet is the key to success. It allows participants to create different combinations to find new and interesting flavor combinations.

How do you pronounce Charcuterie?

It is pronounced “shar/kew/tree”. According to Webster, it is a French word literally meaning “pork butcher”.

How do you create a Charcuterie board?

It’s fairly simple and really is up to your taste as the hostess. You start with deli meats that could include salami, prosciutto, sopressata, ham or capicola or any others that you’d like. Then, add complimentary cheeses including cheddar, provolone, goat cheese, Asiago, Gouda, or Gorgonzola. Add some additional items including olives or pickles, along with spreads including apple butter or spreadable cheeses. And of course, we can’t forget something to bring all of these items together, baguettes, pretzels, or crackers. I like to include dried fruit or grapes as well to break up all of the salty flavors.

Adding your own flair

After going out for our first Charcuterie experience, we decided that after that we would begin to host our own Charcuterie nights at our houses. So now, each month we alternate our houses. The host creates the board and then the other ladies bring wine and dessert. One night our host Melissa, received some help from her 4 year old son with his action figures. I think that it added a touch of fun to our event!

We laugh and reminisce about old times, talk about our kids and husbands and what’s going on in our lives. It’s a lot of fun and let’s us feel fancy. Combine it with wine and dessert and it makes it a great Moms’ Night Out.