Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this episode, Brooke chats with Tyler Anastasio about the essentials of creating a show-stopping charcuterie board. Tyler shares her journey from meal prep business owner to charcuterie artist, inspired by her love for food and art. The conversation dives into her top tips for curating boards that are both delicious and visually stunning, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to charcuterie or a seasoned host, you’ll gain insights on ingredient selection, presentation, and creating a balanced flavor profile.   Key Takeaways

• [08:52] Start with Favorites: Begin with ingredients you and your guests love, then add one or two adventurous items to introduce variety.
• [09:26] Invest in Quality: Choose high-quality cheeses and meats, as they are the stars of the board. Gourmet cheese counters are great resources.
• [17:50] Portion Guide: Use one ounce of meat and two ounces of cheese per person as a baseline to prevent overbuying.
• [20:19] Flavor Balance: Include sweet (honey, jam, fruit), salty (meats, cheeses), and acidic (pickles, mustard) elements to create harmony.
• [22:28] Presentation Matters: Create visually appealing boards by grouping items in color-blocked piles and using a triangular layout for structure.
• [24:29] Favorite Ingredients: Tyler’s go-to additions include Marcona almonds, dried dates, Rogue River Blue cheese, and pickled sweet peppers.
• [26:55] Use What You Have: Don’t hesitate to get creative with pantry staples and leftovers to complete your board.

  Notable Quotes

• (08:55) “Start with ingredients you already know you love. Charcuterie boards are so customizable.”
• (09:26) “If you’re going to splurge, invest in quality meats and cheeses—it’s a celebration!”
• (14:12) “The sweet and salty combo is essential for balance on the board.”
• (22:46) “Presentation can feel intimidating, but a simple triangular layout makes all the difference.”

  Resources

• Visit the official WildSalt Studio website
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