12/17

My Favorite Holiday Appetizer & Skinny Cocktail

Work smarter… not harder in the kitchen. I’m sharing my no fuss, no brainer and fool-proof and chic charcuterie plate and skinny cocktail to pair. 

At every great party, there’s a great charcuterie platter. Throughout the years I’ve learned how to throw a mean charcuterie board that satisfies all tastebuds. 

What you need to create the ultimate board:

I love using a french baguette for my boards but you can also pair your cheese and meats with your favorite crackers. 

2 types of meat:

• Salami (can be spiced or peppered)
• Prosciutto  (goes great with mozzarella 

3 types of cheese:

• A blue cheese
• A buttery, mild and creamy cheese
• Brie with truffle

When you’re creating a charcuterie board, think of all of the different types of tastes: salty, sweet and acidic and savory.

For salty: Think olives and nuts. I like to use marcona almonds. I put them in a dish drizzle some olive oil, sprinkle some rosemary and kosher salt. It’s the perfect salty snack 

For sweet: Think fruit. I have a combination of dried fruit, grapes, strawberries and blackberries. It brings color to your board. I also love to add honey and fig spreads. 

For acidic and savory: Think artichoke hearts and cornichons. They give the perfect bite that I love. 

TAKE HOME TIPS:

• Feel free to mix and change it up. 
• The messier the board the better.
• Don’t worry about layering. The more your food touches, the better! You can put leaves on your board or put some bowls on it. 
• For a more artisanal look, keep everything that comes on a vine… on the vine.

SKINNY PEACH CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL:

Ingredients:

• Rose Champagne (I used Schramsberg)
• LaCroix Peach/Pear flavor
• Pomegranates 

Directions:

• Pour half a glass of LaCorix peach/pear sparkling water into a champagne glass
• Fill the rest of the glass with your rose champagne
• Drop in a few pomegranates 
• Serve chilled 

I love making these platters since they’re so fun and colorful! If any of you have some tips for making a charcuterie board extra special, leave them in the comments below! Or… give me a skinny cocktail recipe! You guys know I love my skinny cocktails! 

Cheers! xox