Crafting the Perfect Charcuterie Board
‘Tis the season for gathering your closest friends around the table to share food and memories. Whether you’re going to a family gathering or friendsgiving, a charcuterie board is always a crowd pleaser. At this point, what is a social gathering without a charcuterie board? It combines so many different flavors, textures, and aromatics that pair wonderfully with a glass of bubbly.
Charcuterie boards are easily customizable and offer options for all kinds of dietary restrictions and preferences. We put together a list of some of our favorite charcuterie board essentials from woman-led brands, because why not buy from badass women shattering the glass ceiling when we can?
Coro Foods makes a variety of different salamis and cured meats, with unique flavors for any taste buds. They’re woman-owned, use all-natural, sustainably-sourced ingredients, and implement efficient production processes that result in minimal waste. They also make a commitment to creating a fulfilling workspace for everyone through fair labor practices that pay a living wage, prioiritize workplace safety, and actively combat discrimination.
Cowgirl Creamery is actually our neighbor in Sonoma and make beautifully crafted cheeses perfect for any charcuterie board. Founded by two college friends who wanted to spotlight the craftsmanship of local sustainable agriculture, Cowgirl Creamery sources all of their ingredients from organic farms and is committed to uplifting their communities.
There’s no reason your vegan friends should be left out from the charcuterie board goodness because Miyokos Creamery makes delicious vegan cheeses made from plant milks. The female-founded company pioneered the category of artisan vegan cheese and is on a mission to revolutionize the dairy industry through animal rescue efforts and sustainable production practices.
Spring & Mulberry makes carefully crafted chocolate bars sweetened with dates. They are woman-owned and believe in sourcing only the best ingredients and crafting the most unique flavor combinations. These chocolate bars are sure to be a conversation starter.
Partake is a BIPOC woman-owned snack company founded by a mother who was determined to create allergy-friendly alternatives for her daughter. They also partner with organizations like No Kid Hungry to provide access to food, education, and advocacy. The founder also founded Black Futures in Food and Beverage, an annual fellowship program that mentors HBCU students and helps them secure internships and jobs.
Brightland is a woman-owned company that makes delicious oils, vinegars, and honeys that are just as useful in the kitchen as they are on a charcuterie board. They source their ingredients from farms in California and use sustainable production practices.
Moonshot is a black woman-owned business that’s committed to creating climate-friendly snacks. Their crackers are made with organic & non-GMO ingredients, as well as using regeneratively grown ingredients. Their crackers come in so many different flavors and even offer pairing ideas on the packaging and their site.
Mazaah Chutney is a small-batch, gourmet goes-with-anything condiment. Created by sisters inspired by their family’s Afghan roots and mother’s cooking, they created a “magic green sauce” that’s gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. Their chutneys make a great addition to any charcuterie board, and the leftovers can be drizzled on just about anything.
Of course, a charcuterie board isn’t complete without some wine, and both The Callie and The Betty are exceptionally versatile for pairing. The process of making a sparkling wine results in a fuller-bodied wine with fruity notes than a typical white wine that enhances most foods without overwhelming their flavors.