I absolutely love to entertain people! I was also raised to feed anyone that comes to our house, whether it’s for five minutes or five hours. Growing up Italian there were certain items you were taught to keep on hand so you can whip up great food at a moments notice. This also goes for your immediate family. Some say we’re a little forceful when it comes to guests eating. There wasn’t a Sunday that didn’t include a cheese and olive board and someone stopping by. To this day, even if it’s just my husband and I, a cheese board is made not only on Sundays, but also on those nights watching TV when a snack is needed.
Every weekend, well almost, we have friends over. I love to create fast simple appetizers or pickings that are tasty. Good food is very important for any gathering. I said earlier there are certain things we were taught to keep stocked. Some of those items are; cheese, pepperoni, olives, crackers, olive oil, garlic, sauce, macaroni, and wine. With these main items you can create cheese boards and make an entire dinner in just 15 minutes.
Let’s talk about cheese boards or a charcuterie board. You can call it want you want but I say cheese board. Cheese is the most important item on the board. You build around the cheese depending what you have. The simplest ones have cheese, pepperoni, olives, crackers. The more extravagant ones have cheese, olives, meats (sopressata, salami, pepperoni, capicola), fruits, and crackers. I also sometimes add thinly sliced Italian bread with olive oil infused with fresh garlic.
This post is sponsored by Cheese2U.com
The board created here was supposed to be for my guests but living in New England means snow and ice can happen at any time. The weather changes and ice is coming. I already had everything ready for my beautifully delicious cheese board and amazing wine so what else would I do but to make it, pour a glass of wine and enjoy my creation! It doesn’t take long to make so the left-overs went into baggies and over the next few days, guess what I made for hubby and I. Truthfully almost everything on my board will be fresh next weekend so again I will create my board.
Let’s talk about cheese!
Good cheese is important! Cheese is also an excellent source of protein, calcium, and several other nutrients. Since COVID, I started doing a lot of my shopping online and having it delivered. I still go to the store to pick out my cheeses, fruits, and veggies because I’m very picky. Cheese2U.com recently launched and I was very impressed at their selection of high-quality European cheeses and French butters. They have 19 cheeses and 3 butters; all but 3 are imported like Galbani (the only ricotta I use in my lasagna), Président, Roquefort, and Loup Perac to name a few. The best part is Cheese2U.com ships high-quality dairy straight to your doorstep.
The brands are true CHEESE PEOPLE, let’s face it, European cheeses are difficult to find in stores. Ordering from Cheese2U and creating your cheese board is simple. Decide what size you want your board to be and start building!
Choose 5 products for $44 or 8 products for $55. You can choose any product, even butter, and if you want to order 2 of the same product you can.
The price includes shipping and is the same for any product you choose. Once you build your basket, it ships in 24 hours!
The price includes shipping and is the same for any product you choose. Once you build your basket, it can be delivered “as soon as tomorrow” .
I was surprised at how fast it arrived and it’s so exciting opening a box full of cheese. Even though I knew what I ordered, I still “Wowwed” out loud, which made my husband say, “What?”
Back to our cheese board Here are some tips:
When creating your board, don’t cut the whole piece of cheese. Leave some uncut so guests can cut themselves if needed.
You can create a cheese plate for two. Pour a glass of wine and it’s the perfect conversation starter. A cheese plate or cheese board is perfect to snack on while watching a movie. So much better than popcorn.
When I go for girls day at the spa, I pack different cheeses, pepperoni, olives, and crackers. Pop it all on a plate and while we’re relaxing and chatting we get to snack.
If you’re planning an Easter brunch, cheeseboards are perfect, they also go well with mimosas!
Head over to Cheese2U.com and start building your basket!
Don’t forget to share your board with me! I can’t wait to see your photos!
