Cured meat and smoked meats cross over in some ways but are also different, let’s look at both in detail. While both methods offer their own unique advantages (and flavors) to meat, curing vs.smoking meat has unique properties that make them quite distinct from one another. I’ve been keen on all types for year like dry cured meats made in …
Who Invented Charcuterie? (Also Modern vs Traditional)
Charcuterie has become rather popular throughout the world, but who invented it? Traditionally composed of assorted meats and cheeses with modern twists incorporating everything from bread and fruits to dessert boards, charcuterie has certainly transformed over time. Even over the years of writing this blog about charcuterie, salumi and cured meats – I’ve notice the interpretation of charcuterie. But, with …
20 Ideas for a Charcuterie Board Without Meat
Creating a charcuterie board without meat will require creative ideas, so it isn’t all about meat and I wanted to share. Though charcuterie comes from the French practice of serving cured and cooked meats (among other goods) on a beautifully displayed platter, more and more options are rising to the surface. It can take a bit of creativity to think …
How Much Charcuterie (Cured Meat) Per Person?
Charcuterie (cured meat) is all the rave, but how much do you need per person? Especially when it comes to charcuterie boards and antipasti platters. Delightfully delicate, savory, and rich, charcuterie and all that this cured meat platter has to offer will wow your guests. If you are the host, using charcuterie is an amazing way to provide food for …
Is Cured Meat Cooked? (Some Examples and Explanations)
Cured meat is delicious! But is this so called cured meat cooked? Well cured meat covers a MASSIVE fluid category. But lets cover the basics. Through the charcuterie fad that stems from a centuries-old tradition to the need for protein that will last on a long backpacking adventure, cured meat continues to rise in popularity all over the world. I’ve been …
Why is Salami Not Refrigerated?
It can serve as a delicious treat, but why is salami not refrigerated – it’s meat isn’t it?! There is a little bit more to it, since some salami can be salt preserved and dried rather then cooked. I’ve made both at home, and on this site are all the tails of salami and charcuterie adventure! Well kinda. After reading …
Can Salt Pork Be Eaten Raw?
Salt pork makes for an incredible addition to many dishes, but can it be eaten raw? If you have never used salt pork in your recipes, then you are missing out. In its purist form, it’s salt and pork – that’s about it. I’ve enjoyed eating, making and buying salt pork – it’s versatile, and since this blog is all …
Cured Meats That Are Not Pork (Some Ideas and Inspiration)
When many people hear “cured meats”, they first associate this with pork – but there are many cured meats that are not pork. Likely, if you are looking at preparing a charcuterie board, you will be well versed in your search for cured meats. But, with many of them being pork-based, you might want to change things up. This might …
Is Salt Pork Belly Easy to Cook? (& What to Do With It)
Salt pork belly adds incomparable flavor, but is it easy to cook, and what do you do with it? I’ve made all types of cured meats, and salt pork definitely falls into this category too. And all you need really is salt + pork. Salt pork belly is a delicious option to add to many dishes. Its cultural infusion into …
Is Salami Charcuterie? (Where does Salami Fit in?)
Of the many things to put on a charcuterie board, salami is one, but does it fall in the category of charcuterie? Charcuterie boards have been steadily rising in popularity from dining around a friend’s kitchen island with a glass of wine in hand to residing on global restaurant menus. With popularity increases the curiosity about which meats are considered …