If brunch isn’t your mom’s thing, choose a few of her favorite items and make her a beautiful charcuterie board that she can enjoy for lunch or a prelude to dinner.  Here are a few tips on building a Mother’s Day Charcuterie.

Step One:  The vessel.  Choose a sturdy board to start filling with dips, spreads, and items that can be piled onto the board. Try our Bellisari’s Blistered Jalapeño & Fig Spread, blue cheese-stuffed olives, or a mixed selection of salted nuts.

Step Two:  Add her favorite cheeses and meats. First, place the cheeses. Arrange them evenly around the board and allow space for slicing and scooping. Try a small wheel of brie with a spoonful of our Balsamic Shallot & Black Garlic Spread, blue cheese, an aged cheddar, and/or goat cheese on this board. Remember that you want to add her favorite items!  Next, add the meats. Try prosciutto, Italian salami and maybe even Spec.  It's OK if items on the board touch; they're meant to be enjoyed together.

Step Three:  Add the crackers or breadsticks.  Choose a variety of crackers and breadsticks that you can arrange around the board and even add breadsticks to a stemless wineglass!  Try to choose flavors that compliment the board.

Step Four:  To me this is the most important step…adding fruits, veggies, and fresh herbs.

Fill in any gaps on the board with fruits, vegetables, and sprigs of herbs. I love to use watermelon radishes, sliced figs, red grapes, and basil or thyme.  This is where you add color to your board.

When your board is finished, set it out with a few cheese knives so mom can help herself after she marvels at your masterpiece. Enjoy!