Entertaining, or just looking for a treat for two – take your grazing board up a notch and whip up these simple meat roses / charcuterie roses.
Is there anyone on the planet that doesn’t like charcuterie? Okay, yes, perhaps Vegans don’t, but their version of charcuterie would be called “crudités” and is just a platter of veggies.
A charcuterie board is an assortment of meats, cheeses, artisan breads, olives, fruit, and nuts, all artfully arranged on a serving board.
Yup, meat, cheese, crackers on a piece of wood…. but “charcuterie” sounds so much fancier.
I think of them as very pretty grazing boards; set them out and people can nibble away to their hearts content.
The other week I showcased some charcuterie boards I made out of scrap wood – my favourite being the black walnut. I sold a few, but kept a couple for myself and the other night I had an excuse to whip up a charcuterie board for two while my friend and I sat and caught up (after a VERY long Covid).
I’d been dying to try making charcuterie roses and this was the perfect time! Is it better to call them charcuterie roses, cold cut roses, deli roses, or meat roses? “Meat roses” seemed sketchy somehow and I didn’t want this post to rank in any porn searches. 😂
Actually, I could use all the traffic I can get, so today I’ll be showing you how to make big, thick, satisfying meat roses.
Ah! That made me laugh!
All you need is a shot glass and at least 12 thin slices of deli meat. (That’s about all it takes me too 😂)
That’s it guys – fold and flip!
Making a charcuterie rose doesn’t take any longer than laying out your cold cuts in a fan, or row, or folding them into 4, but it looks awesome and takes up less space on your grazing board.
I’d guess, if you had a soft, thin-sliced cheese, you might be able to do it with cheeses as well?
Since my charcuterie was just for a friend and I, I didn’t go overkill on the meats. I used a small charcuterie board and just set out a salami and some other meat that tasted like salami but was made with beef. (Sorry, the butcher recommended it, but I can’t find my receipt now 🤦🏻♀️)
Damn butcher! Flaunting all his meat!
Okay, the butcher was a woman, but that seemed even more inappropriate. 😂
Baby carrots, blackberries, smoked applewood cheese, fattoush chips, dark chocolate hazelnuts, baby cucumbers, tzatziki, and Boursin cheese.
With a bit of Rosemary bread on the side, this was absolute HEAVEN!
This little charcuterie board which is only about 16″ long (40cm) actually held too much food for two, so it ended up being a snack for me the next day as well.
I know this looks posh (that was the goal), but grazing boards are FANTASTIC for picky-eating kids. If you are sick of hot dogs or KD for the millionth time this month, set out a “fancy” board or platter and cut up some meats, cheeses, fruits and veg and the kids will nibble away at a healthy meal without even really knowing it.
Add in a charcuterie rose and they’ll think it’s for adults and will want some even more. lol
A charcuterie rose is a simple complement to any food display, so I hope you’ll try it out – you really will be surprised.
If you want more AMAZING ideas for charcuterie/ grazing boards click over to my Pinterest page and follow along.
This was a lot of stying for this photo shoot – I’ve worked up an appetite.
Have a great one!