How to Create the Perfect Fall-Themed Charcuterie Board
What better way to celebrate the season than with a beautiful fall-themed charcuterie board? We’re talking cozy flavors, all the sweet and crunchy things, and the most stunning pumpkin carved pieces to make a festive statement! Follow my step-by-step guide that will help you assemble a spread that captures the essence of autumn.
Ingredients
- 3 jars Pearls Specialties Olives - my favorite are Pearls Specialties Kalamata Olives, Pearls Specialties Garlic Stuffed Olives, and Pearls Specialties Martini Vermouth
- 3 Mini pumpkins (about 4-5 inches in diameter)
- 2-3 cheeses ranging from soft to firm in texture
- 2-3 meats - such as prosciutto, salami, Coppa, or Sopressata
- 3 Fresh fruits - such as ripe pear, grapes, figs, pomegranate, or persimmon
- ½ cup Assorted nuts - such as toasted pecans, almonds, walnuts, or glazed nuts
- ½ cup Dried fruit - such as figs, dates, or apricots
- 2-3 Assorted crackers - rustic crisps, multigrain crackers, saltine crackers, pretzels, or pita crackers
- Optional: Spreads - such as grainy mustard, honey, chutney, fig jam, apple butter, or preserves.
- Fresh sage, rosemary, thyme or mum flowers for garnish
Instructions
Carve the Pumpkins
- Prepare the Pumpkins: Wash the pumpkins to remove any debris and dry with a kitchen towel.
- Carve the Lid: Hold the pumpkin upright. Use a sharp knife to pierce straight down into the pumpkin flesh, about 1/4-1/2 inch from the edge of the pumpkin. Carefully remove the knife and make the next indentation. Repeat in a circle pattern until you’ve achieved a complete circle.
- Remove the Top: Use the knife to carefully lift the lid off and set it aside.
- Scoop Carefully: Using a spoon or pumpkin carving tool, scoop out the seeds and stringy insides of the pumpkin. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the outer shell.
Arrange the Charcuterie Board
- Fill the pumpkins with a variety of Pearls Specialties Olives and spread them out on the board first (since they are the larger pieces on the board).
- Next, add the cheeses around and in between the pumpkins. Slice or dice them as as necessary.
- Add the salami and prosciutto. Ribbon the prosciutto to create height and fold slices of salami in half or quarters before adding to the board.
- Add the crackers, larger fruit, and spreads(if using) in between the cheese and salami.
- Last, fill in the spaces with smaller fruit, dried fruit, and nuts.
- For a festive touch, insert fresh sage, rosemary, thyme or mum flowers where space permits. Add cheese spreaders and charcuterie knives where needed.