Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and what better way to express this than through a delightful and visually stunning Valentine’s Charcuterie Board?
This board is not just about tantalizing your taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, too. Laden with a variety of meats, an assortment of rich cheeses, and an array of fruits in romantic reds and pinks, this board is a perfect start to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
To add a sweet note, we’ve included charming candies and chocolates that are sure to win hearts. Whether you’re planning a cozy evening for two or a festive gathering, this charcuterie board promises to be the centerpiece of your celebration.
How to Prepare This Meal
Creating Your Valentine’s Charcuterie Board
- Begin with the Base: Select a heart-shaped charcuterie board as your canvas. This shape instantly sets the theme for Valentine’s Day.
- Cheese, Please: Start by placing your cheeses. Arrange the Garlic and Herb Boursin, Wensleydale with cranberries, Sharp cheddar, and the tinted Goat Cheese artistically across the board.
- Salami Flowers: Transform the Italian Dry Salami into floral arrangements. Use a small cup as a mold to create salami roses, and place them strategically on the board for visual appeal.
- Fruity Flair: Introduce color and freshness with the fruits. Scatter cherries, halved strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and red grapes across the board. Spoon the grape jam into a small dish and nestle it among the fruits.
- Sweet Endings: Fill any remaining spaces with a selection of candies and chocolates. Arrange the Lindor Chocolate Truffles, Conversation Hearts, Cinnamon Hearts, and Chocolate Hearts to add a sweet touch.
- The Final Flourish: For a romantic finish, embellish your charcuterie board with a few fresh roses, adding a touch of elegance and romance.
Valentine’s Charcuterie Board
Ingredients
- 1 package Italian Dry Salami made into flowers
- 1/2 cup Grape Jam
- 1 bag Cherries
- 1 package Blueberries
- 1 package Strawberries cut into half
- 1 package Raspberries
- 1 bag Red Grapes
- 1 package Garlic and Herb Boursin
- 1 wedge Wensleydale with cranberries
- 1 brick Sharp cheddar
- 8 ounce Plain Goat Cheese with Pink Food Coloring
- 1 package Lindor Chocolate Truffles
- 1 bag Conversation Hearts
- 1 bag Cinnamon Hearts found at Trader Joe’s
- 1 package Chocolate Hearts wrapped
Instructions
- Start with Cheeses: On your heart-shaped charcuterie board, first arrange the Garlic and Herb Boursin, Wensleydale with cranberries, Sharp cheddar, and the colored Goat Cheese elegantly.
- Salami Art: Craft the Italian Dry Salami into delightful flower shapes using a small cup for guidance, and place them thoughtfully on the board.
- Fruit Display: Next, scatter cherries, blueberries, strawberries cut in half, raspberries, and red grapes across the board. Add a small dish of grape jam among them.
- Candy and Chocolate Touch: Fill the remaining spaces with Lindor Chocolate Truffles, Conversation Hearts, Cinnamon Hearts, and Chocolate Hearts, creating a sweet and festive feel.
- Decorative Roses: Enhance the board with a few roses to give that final romantic touch.
How to Store
After your Valentine’s gathering, if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store them effectively:
- Cheeses: Wrap each cheese separately in wax paper or cheese paper and store in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their flavor and texture.
- Meats: Place the salami in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Fruits: Store leftover fruits in separate containers. Berries should be refrigerated in their original packaging or a covered container.
- Candies and Chocolates: Keep these in a cool, dry place. They can be stored in their original packaging or placed in airtight containers to retain freshness.