It’s been a busy few months. Time has gone by in a flash. I had a fun, unexpected work trip, and went on vacation soon after that. Next thing I know, the holidays are here!
It is perfect timing for this post because the holiday season is prime time for entertaining. A while back I had the chance to try out a box of charcuterie from Carnivore Club. Carnivore Club is a cured meat monthly subscription service. There is also an option to order just one box. The items are carefully curated, and include products from artisan charcuterie makers. My box had a good mix of items: pepperettes and summer sausage from Olympia Provisions, and jerky from Long Beach Jerky Co. Everything was delicious, but the pepperettes were my favorite.
I put together this simple platter with the summer sausage and pepperettes from the box, and a wedge of brie. Such a pretty display needed a cocktail, and I quickly mixed up some fig-thyme cocktails. When putting together a charcuterie and cheese platter, remember to compliment it with accoutrements. The accoutrements are the accompaniments to your meat and cheese. They provide different textures, and complementary flavors. I used:
- a sweet sauce: home made apricot jam, honey would also work well
- something acidic: whole grain mustard, it goes really well with the summer sausage
- something crunchy: Marcona almonds
- fresh fruit: figs and grapes
- dry fruit, for a chewy texture: dry apricots
- bread or crackers: grilled mini flatbreads that have a nice smoky flavor
For each cocktail, you need:
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of fig jam
- 1 teaspoon of simple syrup or agave
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 sprig of thyme
Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, and serve in a chilled glass. Garnish with fresh fig slices and a lemon twist.
For Christmas, Carnivore Club has a special limited edition tin and also a gorgeous American pine keepsake box. Order by December 18 for Christmas delivery. I highly recommend it.
Disclosure: I received a sample box from Carnivore Club. I was not compensated for writing this post. All views are my own.
One Vanilla Bean 