My first trip to France opened my eyes to the French passion for charcuterie. I couldn’t resist the allure of those perfectly sliced saucissons and creamy cheeses. It was love at first bite, and I’ve been a devoted fan ever since!
The Art of French Eating
French mealtimes are a world apart from what I was used to. Dinner doesn’t happen until after 8 pm, a shockingly late hour for an American like me. But the French have a special time for a pre-dinner snack, called apéro. It’s a delightful ritual, where friends gather around a table laden with a planche, a stunning assortment of charcuterie and cheeses, and sip wine.
It took me a while to adjust to the French way of eating, especially the generous amount of cheese and meat in their diet. But I’ve come to embrace it, guilt-free! French charcuterie boards have become a delicious staple in my life, and I’ve learned to appreciate the art of savoring every bite.
Crafting the Perfect French Charcuterie Board
Ready to embark on a charcuterie adventure? Let’s dive into the essential elements of creating a truly irresistible French charcuterie board.
Cheese: The Star of the Show
Cheese is the undisputed star of any French charcuterie board. French cheesemakers are masters of their craft, and the country boasts an astounding 1,600 varieties!
When selecting cheese, look for artisan varieties labeled with AOC (Appellation d’Origine Côntrolée) or AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), guaranteeing quality and origin. To create a balanced board, group your cheeses into categories:
- Hard Cheese: My personal favorites are Comté, a creamy cheese aged for six, 12, or 24 months, and Abondance, another buttery smooth delight.
- Soft & Semi-Soft Cheese: Explore the world of Brie, Camembert, Reblochon, and the famously pungent Vieux Boulogne, considered the “world’s smelliest cheese.”
- Goat Cheese: Goat cheese adds a delightful tang to the board. Try Picodon, a crumbly cheese, or Le Chevrot, a firm yet creamy choice.
- Blue Cheese: For those who dare, there’s the exquisite Bleu de Bresse, a milder option, and the bold Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk.
Aim for a balance of three cheeses on your board, adjusting quantities based on the number of guests.
Meat: The Heart of French Cuisine
Meat is an integral part of French culture. From the holiday feasts to everyday meals, meat plays a starring role.
Here’s a breakdown of the key meat categories for your French charcuterie board:
- Saucisson: This dried, salted, and aged sausage is a French staple. Every region boasts unique saucissons, flavored with spices, nuts, or local ingredients. They’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, especially when paired with a slice of baguette and a touch of butter.
- Ham (Jambon): Jambon is a must-have on any French charcuterie board. There are endless varieties, from cooked hams (jambon cuits or blanc) to cured hams (jambon cru), aged hams (jambon sec), and smoked hams (jambon fumé). Jambon de Bayonne, a French take on Italian parma ham, is a rich and flavorful choice.
- Soft Charcuterie: This category includes spreadable delights like pâté, the French word for “paste.” My favorite is rillettes, a creamy spread made with shredded pork or goose, encased in a layer of fat.
Essential Extras
No French charcuterie board is complete without a perfect baguette. It’s the ideal vehicle for enjoying cheese, ham, and other delicious toppings.
To balance the richness of the cheese and meat, add a few refreshing palate cleansers:
- Fruit: Grapes, figs, apples, nectarines, peaches, and plums add a touch of sweetness.
- Pickles: Cornichons (small French pickles), pickled onions, and dill pickles offer a satisfying crunch and tartness.
- Condiments: Cherry or apricot jams, honey, and honeycomb add sweet and savory notes.
Don’t forget a generous dollop of unsalted butter, to balance the savory flavors.
The Art of Charcuterie Balance
There’s no right or wrong way to create a French charcuterie board. Just focus on achieving a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Let your creativity soar!
So, gather your favorite ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure with a French charcuterie board. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the rich traditions of French cuisine and create unforgettable moments with friends and family.
