Keep It Local: Charcuterie & Cheese Board Edition

Holidays are quite the time for entertaining. At SALT, we truly believe that presentation of local goods is one of the most fulfilling ways to support your community and provide guests with a beautiful experience. With that in mind, we’ve decided to put together a guide for you to create a charcuterie and cheese board that is 100% local and an effortless epic spread.

Minnesota has culinary artists and experts who are at the top of their industry in providing well-sourced, ethically crafted and heartfelt offerings. We’ve also put together a few tips for a seem-less cocktail party for your next gathering in addition to our previous post on hosting an unforgettable event.

Let’s build the board.

1) The Reclaimed Serving Board:

From Minneapolis trees, Wood From The Hood utilizes discarded trees from the local neighborhoods to create beautiful, high-quality wood products. Including charcuterie serving boards. Start your board out right with this sustainable option.

Prices vary per board // woodfromthehood.com

2) A Variety of Cheese, The Stars of the Show:

Experts alike recommend having an array of cheeses to amplify textures and flavors, and to have something for everyone. Consider selecting a fresh cheese like Chevre, a blue cheese like Gorgonzola, a semi-hard mild cheese like a Cheddar, a hard cheese like Parmesan, and a bloomy-rind cheese like a creamy Brie. Of course visiting a cheese counter for expert opinions is encouraged to simplify your grocery experience. Surdyk’s Cheese Shop in NE Minneapolis has been a staple for shoppers to procure gourmet and high-quality entertaining goods for decades.

Also consider stopping by the cheese counter at a local food Co-op like The Wedge or one of the two locations for Seward Co-op for a fine selection of locally created cheeses like Redhead Creamery. Located in Brooten, Minnesota, Redhead Creamery is a beautiful farm that also offers tours for you or a group of friends.

Our local food Co-ops research and source amazing quality products from local companies and farms which are truly trust-worthy of the most beautiful products.

3) The Delicacy of Fine Charcuterie:

We have quite the company in mind for this one… Red Table Meat Co., located in NE Minneapolis, is available at many grocery locations. Working with local farms, they create unique options like The Vecchio and the award winning Big Chet’s, a perfectly aged hot salami style offering from the founder of the company. This noteworthy option is suggested pairing with a white wine. All of the options for these dried and cured meats will round out your board with a delight of flavor.

Prices vary // redtablemeatco.com

4) Baguette is Everything:

Another local company that needs to make it to your party is Baker’s Field Flour & Bread. Milled by their baker’s, the quality is unparralled. We suggest the Filone, an Italian-Style baguette that has an open-crumb structure, perfect for accompanying the flavor and texture of any cheese selection or locking in a herb-butter spread.

Available at most co-ops, visit website for the nearest location to you // bakersfieldflour.com

5) The Sweetest Touch:

To round-out a show-stopping yet simple board, Serious Jam and Bare Honey must be included. Serious Jam has a one-of-a-kind take on flavors with local and organic produce like Blueberry Bourbon Sage Jam ($12) and Blood Orange Whiskey Marmalade ($14). Based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bare Honey is right along side Serious Jam with creative flavor profiles. Lavender Blossom and Hot & Spicy Honey have made their way to the top of our list.

Widely Available in the Twin Cities, visit website for nearest location and prices // seriousjam.com and barehoney.com

Outsource Your Board:

Short on time? We have a great suggestion for you! Locally crafted boards by small woman-owned business Minnesota Made Boards is here for you. Custom, curated and beautifully artistic, these boards are crafted for your event as desired. Reach out soon so secure your reservation in advance. Check out their website to get the full visual effect and inspirational feels.

Price varies, available on website // Minnesota Made Boards

“When I think about my family and friends at holiday, I enjoy that we’re all gathering around the spread on the board. There is something for everyone!” – Maddie, Minnesota Board Owner & Artist