How to Make a Charcuterie Board

The term “charcuterie” refers to the preparing of cured meats, like prosciutto, bacon, salami, etc., but these days when people say charcuterie, they are usually referring to a fun, meat and cheese board.

It is a perfect way to nosh yummy goodies over a glass of wine, a cocktail, or even a mocktail.  It’s a fun way to get creative and add pops of color to your menu to impress your guests. From the board up, here’s how to make an epic charcuterie board.  Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a family movie night, these are alway a lot of fun.

 

THE BOARD

You don’t have to get fancy here! A simple flat, sturdy surface will work—in any shape or size. You’re going to add layers of goodness on top, so any wooden cutting board, platter, or plate will do the trick.

COLOR & TEXTURE

What makes a great board pop is layers of color and texture. Think bright: reds, greens, yellows, and oranges—strawberries, cherries, olives, sliced peppers—and texture, shiny and smooth, along with rough and edgy—think figs, crackers, and dips.

START WITH DIPS

These are essential – they deliver the extra punch of flavor to each bite. Put your dips in small bowls, along with olives and pickles, cubed cheeses, jellies, and mustards, placing them on your board first, then build the rest of the ingredients around them. This will anchor your ingredients and you can use different shapes and sizes to add depth and variety.

Try:

Nacho Cheese Dip Mix – best served with tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream

Ooey Gooey Queso Hot Dip – serve with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, veggies

CCB Dip – delicious with raw vegetables, potato chips, or crackers

MEAT & CHEESE

Have fun with the style here—serve cheese in cubes, slices, and wedges, including brie, bleu, fresh cheese, and cheddar. Genoa Salami, Italian Dry Salame, Peppered Salami, Prosciutto are great additions to your board—variety is what will make it stand out! You can even wrap Prosciutto around pickled asparagus spears and layer them on the board. Don’t forget your

CRACKERS, CHIPS & BREAD

This part is important – the delivery vehicle for all that goodness! Try to add two to four different kinds here. Get fresh baguette from your local bakery and make home-made chips and crackers to really take this over the top! We love the versatility of Whole-Grain Rosemary Crackers because you can make them with sesame, sunflower, or chia seeds in place of the flax seeds in the recipe…or a combo of all three!

Whole-Grain Rosemary Crackers – pictured

Everything Bagel Crackers

Pita Chips

FRUIT, VEGGIE & GARNISH

After you’ve stacked your board with your bread, chips, and crackers, it’s time to fill in the gaps with fresh fruit, veggies, and garnishes. There are no rules here! Just go with what you have on-hand, and what makes sense to you! Apple slices and grapes are obvious choices, but you can go nuts here—really! Add almonds, walnuts, cashews, along with apricots, kumquats, and more! The possibilities are endless. Garnish with fresh rosemary, mint, or parsley to add that festive green colour.

And, one last tip, try to add something sweet, savoury, salty, and spicy to every board to perfectly balance the experience and suit every taste in your bubble!

What are your best tips for making “boards”?  With summer coming, what will you add to yours to make it POP?  Share your ideas with us…

Have an Epic Day!

Tasty Tuesday: 15-Minute Vegetarian Chili

Today’s recipe is an “old” tried and true Weight Watcher recipe.  I have made it many times AND love it reheated.  It is actually one of hubby’s favorites too.

Prep time: 7 minutes      Cook time:  8 minutes     Serves: 4

7 PointsPlus Value

 

Ingredients

• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), minced
• 15 oz canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 14 1/2 oz canned stewed tomatoes
• 15 1/4 oz canned yellow corn, drained
• 15 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp chili powder (Or substitute Pigs Can Fly seasoning)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (eliminate if you use ^^ seasoning)
• 1/4 cup(s) dehydrated onion flakes
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 Tbsp low fat shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, onion flakes, and pepper; stir well.
4. Increase heat to high and bring to boil; cook, stirring frequently, until chili is thick and flavors are concentrated, about 5 minutes.
5. Spoon into serving bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Yields about 1 1/4 cups chili and 1 tablespoon cheese per serving.

I LOVE using spice mixes from Wicked Good Spice Mixes Company.  The combination of spices is perfect and I only have to have a few things in the cabinet instead of a zillion bottles of spices only I only once or twice.  Pigs Can Fly is made for all things pork…but not too shabby on chicken or beef! Makes mouth watering chops, lip-smacking ribs and scrumptious roasts!  Ingredients: cumin, hot chili powder, allspice, brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt.  Be sure to add a little at a time so you don’t set your mouth on fire!  LOL.

My all time favorite thermal anymore is the Around the Clock Thermal. I have been using this one lately for my craft/vendor shows.  I can hold LOTS of snacks and bottles of water to last me for the whole day.  It is one of Thirty One’s most versatile totes, the Around The Clock Thermal is great for lunch or snacks anytime, anywhere—work, school, festivals, road trips, pool, beach, golf course, boating or sporting events. The water-resistant thermal lining keeps contents cool and makes cleanup easier. A removable shoulder strap means you can carry it any number of ways, including crossbody for hands-free movement. An interior mesh pocket and exterior front zipper pocket provide separate storage options when needed. Makes a great gift for friends, neighbors, kids, teachers and everyone else on the go!

Have a blessed day!

Tasty Tuesday: Sausage & Egg Breakfast Ring

Today’s recipe is from Patti Watson at Pampered Chef.  This is a classic breakfast ring which is a great option for a busy  morning OR why not surprise mom on Mother’s Day!

INGREDIENTS

• 11   eggs, divided
• ¼ cup (50 mL) half & half
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
• ¼ tsp (1 mL) black pepper
• 2   red bell peppers
• 4   green onions
• 1 pkg (9.6 oz./272 g) fully cooked breakfast sausage (12 links)
• 2 cups (6 oz./175 g) colby jack cheese, grated
• 1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
• 2 pkgs (8 oz./250 g each) crescent rolls
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In the Classic Batter Bowl, whisk 10 of the eggs with the half & half, salt, and pepper.
2. Cut the bell peppers into quarters. Process the bell peppers and onions in batches in the Manual Food Processor until finely chopped. Transfer the mixture to the bowl. Process the sausage until finely chopped and add to the bowl.
3. Microwave the mixture, uncovered, on HIGH for 6 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir to break up the eggs. Microwave for 3 minutes, then stir. Microwave for 2 minutes, then stir. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. Use the Microplane^® Adjustable Coarse Grater to grate the cheese; set aside. Use the Chef’s Silicone Basting Brush to brush oil onto the White Large Round Stone.
5. Separate the rolls into 16 triangles. Arrange the triangles on the stone with the wide ends in the center, slightly overlapping. There should be a 5″ (13-cm) opening in the center. The narrow ends of the dough will extend beyond the edge of the stone.
6. Use the Baker’s Roller^® to flatten the wide ends of the dough. Place the egg mixture over the wider sides of the dough in a circle. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the eggs.
7. Pull the narrow ends of the dough over the filling and tuck the points under the dough to form a ring.
8. Separate the remaining egg and add ½ tsp (2 mL) of water to the yolk; mix. Use the basting brush to brush the top of the ring with egg wash. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Use the Pizza & Crust Cutter to chop the parsley and sprinkle on top of the ring.

Serves:  16  

Nutrients per serving: U.S. nutrients per serving: Calories 270, Total Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 6 g, Cholesterol 140 mg, Sodium 540 mg, Carbohydrate 50 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugars 3 g, Protein 12 g

Want more recipes to help you change up boring meals?  Check out Patti’s website where there is over 250 recipes to spice up your menu.  If your wish list is bigger than your wallet, host a party to earn free and discounted products.  Just like to shop, check out the monthly customer specials. 

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Tasty Tuesday: Hungry Chick’ Bell Pepper Nachos

I am all about the Nachos but tend to stay away from them since they are usually REALLY high in points. Here is a yummy recipe from Hungry Girl I am going to make on my next football watching Sunday..

1/4th of recipe (6 loaded nachos): 152 calories, 4.5g total fat (2g sat fat), 299mg sodium, 10.5g carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugars, 17g protein.  Freestyle™ SmartPoints® value 2*

Prep: 10 minutes     Cook: 40 minutes     MAKES 4 SERVINGS

Ingredients:

8 oz. raw boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. salt
Dash black pepper
12 sweet mini bell peppers (each about 2 1/2 inches long)
1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
1/3 cup salsa
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 tbsp. chopped jalapeño pepper
1 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay a large piece of heavy-duty foil on a baking sheet, and spray with nonstick spray.
2. Place chicken on the center of the foil, and sprinkle with seasonings. Cover with another large piece of foil. Fold together and seal all four edges of the foil pieces, forming a well-sealed packet.
3. Bake for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, slice off and discard the stem ends of the bell peppers. Remove and discard seeds. Slice peppers in half lengthwise.
5. Remove foil pack from the sheet, and spray sheet with nonstick spray. Raise oven temperature to 400 degrees.
6. Lay pepper halves on the sheet, cut sides down. Bake for 5 minutes.
7. Flip bell pepper halves. Bake until soft, about 5 more minutes.
8. Meanwhile, cut foil packet to release hot steam before opening entirely. Transfer chicken to a medium bowl. Shred with two forks.
9. Thoroughly blot excess moisture from bell pepper halves. Arrange them on the center of the sheet. Top with shredded chicken, beans, and cheese.
10. Bake until cheese has melted, about 3 minutes.
11. Top with salsa, sour cream, jalapeño, and cilantro.

Want to take this yummy treat to your next tailgating party?  Try Thirty One’s Perfect Party Set…The Perfect Party Set expands to hold two 9” x 13” casserole pans inside 2 interior water-resistant thermal compartments. Handle grips make it easy to carry, while the exterior zipper pocket can keep additional items like utensils, baking instructions and additional ingredients secure during transport. It’s the most convenient way to take your favorite casseroles, desserts, appetizers and more to your next family picnic, neighborhood cookout, celebration or camping trip!

Hope you have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Campus style: College fashion bag trends

I know High schoolers and younger are not thinking about going back to school BUT I am sure the college students are gearing up for their new life.  The summer Belinda went off to college was a whirlwind of craziness….

Of course, changing colleges just two weeks before heading off for the first extended trip away from home did help either.  She went from attending Johnson & Wales in Charlotte to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.  I wasn’t sure how it would work out but it was the best decision she ever made.  I miss her like crazy since she is 12 hours away but I am so proud of the woman she has become.

From backpack purses and messenger bags to slouchy totes and crossbody wallets, this year’s hand-picked campus trends will take you back to college in style. Read on to discover the hottest bag fashions designed to be super-functional, keeping you organized semester after semester.

Trend-right mini backpack purses

A small backpack purse is the perfect combination of hands-free and on-trend. Choose one with sturdy hardware and plenty of pockets – the one you pick will need to hold a ton and stand up to your busy daily routine. Don’t go too bold with this one: choose a solid color in an elevated finish to maintain wearability and lend a timeless air to an of-the-moment style. Thirty-One Gifts’ own Boutique Backpack comes in a luxe, faux-pebble fabrication in your choice of four colors with contrasting striped handles for a pop of fun!

Brand new for Fall 2018, our version of this fashionable, hands-free bag is available early (and at a great price!) to Customers who invite their friends to shop Thirty-One Gifts together this July! Connect with me to learn more about shopping and sharing this great style when you host a party. And as always, personalization is free on Hostess Specials – so make your backpack really stand out with an embroidered monogram or initial in color-coordinating thread.

Campus fashion tip: Wear it over a flowy floral top or dress, and tie a light cardigan or denim button-up shirt around your waist for those college lecture halls that seem to perpetually blast the AC.

Hands-free crossbody wallets

Whether you’re biking to class in the morning or hitting the town at night, hands-free is where it’s at. Choose a sleek and slim crossbody wallet to keep your phone, credit cards, ID and other essentials close at hand. And if you find one with a removable strap like our chic Tons of Funds, snag it – these styles easily transform into an everyday wallet for your larger bag, or clip on a Wristlet Strap for a cute clutch. Three great uses – all without unpacking your things!

Campus fashion tip: Skip the jewelry and sling a brightly colored crossbody wallet across a simple striped tunic and leggings to add a trendy visual pop.

Versatility is key when you’re selecting an everyday tote for class. Our slouchy and stylish Retro Metro Collection features a few stand-out pieces perfect for campus life: Try the Retro Metro Hobo Crossbody in black-and-white, vintage-inspired Twill Stripe. The long, flexible handle means it can be worn as a crossbody, or knot the strap to shorten the handle drop for a relaxed shoulder bag.

Need something with more room and a bit more structure? Our Retro Metro Fold-Overshares the same comfortable styling and durable construction, but features a shaped base and reinforced square corners for more of a messenger bag look. It’s available in cotton or canvas, perfect for toting textbooks, tech and more.

Campus fashion tip: Pair a slouchy bag with a fitted blazer or jean jacket to balance the casual vibe.

What better way to achieve exactly the campus style you’re looking for than by designing it yourself? For a true messenger bag in a chic, upgraded finish, check out our Studio Thirty-One Modern purse. The large magnetic flap is removable so you can switch up your look from semester to semester…or even day to day!

We love the classic sophistication of a monochromatic Caramel Charm Body and Flapwith a stylish pop of black-and-white webbing in the crossbody strap. And be sure to check out our Studio Thirty-One flaps from the Global Inspired Collection featuring bright, graphic prints.

Check out even more hot Studio Thirty-One combinations, or jump right in and start designing your own! Bonus: Each one of these purses is polished enough to take you from class straight to your internship. (Grown-up points!)

Campus fashion tip: Wear it with an olive green military-style jacket and cute ballet flats to punch up your favorite jeans-and-tee combo.

Bonus accessory trend: Lightweight scarves

Want another great college-friendly fashion tip? Think beyond the bag! A square, rectangular or infinity scarf is a key element in your back-to-school wardrobe. Tie it on your bag to add stylish flair and a shot of color, or wrap one loosely around your neck to make a fashion statement in any season.

There are as many ways to wear a simple scarf as there are prints available in our long and lightweight Avenue Scarf: a quick search on Pinterest turns up tons of creative tying methods, from simple knots to fancy braids, head wraps and even belts!

Campus fashion tip: It’s easier than you think to turn a rectangular scarf into a stylish kerchief: you’re just seconds away with this four-step tutorial we love!

Thank you ThirtyOne for today’s blog post.