Charcuterie (pronounced “shahr-ku-tuh-ree”) is the art of preparing and assembling cured meats and other meat products. Many people use the term charcuterie to refer to an assortment of meats that are paired with different accompaniments, such as toast/crackers/breadsticks, fruit – dried/sliced, nuts, cheese – hard/soft, and spreads. They are not only appealing to the eye but a fun, “no cooking required” option for quick bites both your family and friends can enjoy at your next gathering. While they take very little time to put together and are appealing to most because of their variety, they can add up quickly. As quickly as they can add up, they don’t have to break the bank with a little knowledge and planning. I went to Trader Joe’s the other day and created 3 different, “One Stop Shop” charcuterie boards – 1. Under $25, 2. Under $30 and 3. Under $35. Below you will see how they are laid out and a list of the different ingredients by price! Notice which items cost more. Pick the ones that mean most to you and build around those items to stay in budget!
Xx, Heather
Under $25 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie
Under $25 – ingredients
2. Green Apple – $0.69
3. Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $2.74
4. Fig Butter – $2.49
5. 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers – $1.99
6. Gourmet Deli Selection(Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto,Capocollo) – $5.49
7. Marinated Olive Duo with Lemon and Herb – $1.79
8. Chèvre and Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese – $2.99
9. Red Apple – $0.69
10. Candied Pecans – $4.49
TOTAL COST = $24.75
Under $30 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie
Under $30 – ingredients
2. Gourmet Deli Selection(Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto,Capocollo) – $5.49
3. Green Apple – $0.69
4. Olive Tapenade – $1.99
5. Red Grapes – $5.49
6. Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $2.74
7. Triple Creme Brie Cheese – $4.19
8. Sun Dried Apricots – $1.49
9. Fig & Olive Crisps – $3.99
TOTAL COST = $27.46
Under $35 Trader Joe’s Charcuterie
Under $35 – ingredients
2. Classic Original Water Crackers – $1.39
3. 3 Seed Sweet Potato Crackers – $1.99
4. Dried Lemon Sliced – $2.29
5. Fig Butter – $2.49
6. Chèvre and Honey Goat’s Milk Cheese – $2.99
7. Greek Kalamata Olives – $2.99
8. Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $2.74
9. Red Apple – $0.69
10. Candied Pecans – $4.49
11. Olive Tapenade – $1.99
12. Boursin Garlic & Fine Herb Cheese – $3.99
13. Gourmet Deli Selection(Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto,Capocollo) – $5.49
TOTAL COST = $34.22