Picture this!
A thick, heavy, dark walnut cutting board. Beautifully arranged on this handsome board is a selection of cheeses, cured meats, pickles and olives. Each of the items on the board is carefully rolled or folded to please the eye as well as the palate. There’s prosciutto folded to resemble flowers, Genoa salami rolled tightly into thin tubes and pepperoni. The cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh mozzarella and sharp cheddar, have been carefully brought to room temperature to bring out their flavors. Served with this gustatory revelation is an ice cold Sam Adams Boston Lager. A charcuterie board for the ages.
This was my dinner tonight.
Well… Not exactly.
I don’t have a walnut cutting board. I certainly don’t have the patience for all the ‘fussy’ work required to make food pretty. I did have all those food items and I did drink that beer. It wasn’t pretty but it was really good.