A tavola non si invecchia! At the table, no one grows old!
Italians have always valued quality time around the kitchen table with good company, and what better way to celebrate that than with a charcuterie board? Charcuterie was practically made for socializing and is perfect for easy entertaining during the summer months. There is minimal prep involved – just lay out your spread, say buon appetito, and let the rest take care of itself!
Charcuterie is as much of a visual treat as it is a tasty one. Choose a variety of foods that add texture and color to your board that not only spice up the palette, but the conversation. Picking quality cheeses and toppings from different regions of the world helps tell a story and lets your guests be a part of a tradition, if only for a bite. What better way to share a time-honored Italian tradition than with Prosciutto di Parma? We know, you were already thinking it.
Step 1: Start with a foundation. Artisan crackers and thinly sliced bread offer guests an option while still making sure that the toppings are the main focus.
Step 2: Say cheese! Offer a variety: aim for one soft cheese, one semi-hard cheese, and one hard cheese. Flavors and aroma can vary anywhere from tangy to earthy but should be done in a way that will complement and not overshadow your meat selection.
Step 3: A winning charcuterie board uses quality meats. Prosciutto di Parma from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy is made with only the finest of ingredients such as specialty bread pigs, salt, and air and branded with the signature Parma Crown. If you see the Parma Crown on pre-sliced packages of prosciutto, you know you are getting quality! Let Prosciutto di Parma carve out a moment for you and your guests with its delicate, yet delicious flavors while you sit back and enjoy your time together.
Step 4: Add all the extras! These can range from anything from spreadable condiments, such as mustards and jellies, to fruits and nuts. Not only does this introduce a million possibilities, but it is a way to add beautiful colors to your board. After all, half of the fun of charcuterie is the presentation!
Step 5: Last but not least – pair your board with some fine wine! A crisp, tart Pinot Grigio will complement Prosciutto di Parma’s buttery mouthfeel, while a bright Chianti will hold its own among other bold flavors. Can’t decide? Get one of each!
For more tips, check out our charcuterie board tips and tricks page!