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How to Build a Savory Charcuterie Board

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Why is it that charcuterie boards are all the rage these days? They are trending in a big way on Pinterest and if you’ve glanced at any foodie’s Instagram feed, you’re likely to see a colorful board built of various finger foods.

The answer is simple — charcuterie boards are a fabulous way to serve others a beautifully assembled meal without cooking a single thing! Better yet, designing a charcuterie board is a blast because you’re literally playing with food to arrange it in an eye appealing way.

So, how do you know what items to source for your board? The key to building any savory charcuterie board is to think in categories when selecting the items to include: 1.) briny or acidic foods 2.) creamy and hard cheeses 3.) sliced deli meats. You want the items selected to complement each other in taste and texture. For example, pickles or artisan olives are a great follow to a rich cheese and cracker combination.

For my ultimate savory charcuterie board, I added another layer of interest. Some of my items are sourced from Kansas farmers or small food businesses while the others came mostly from Trader Joe’s. I’m passionate about supporting small business and several of the below mentioned companies were nice enough to gift me with their items.

What locally sourced gourmet foods could you add to your board?

I went BIG on this spread! The quantity of ingredients in this board could easily feed 2-4 people. We like to substitute a beautiful charcuterie platter for our usual dinner meal a couple Friday evenings a month because I don’t want to cook at the end of the week!

Here’s a rundown of the assorted items and where to buy them:

CRACKERS:

  • Brioche Toasts (Trader Joe’s) covered in roasted garlic from Orie’s Farm Fresh
  • Pita Bite Crackers (Trader Joe’s)
  • Golden Rounds (Trader Joe’s)
  • Great Value Rosemary Crackers (Walmart)

CHEESES:

  • Sliced Medium Cheddar (Walmart)
  • Cream Cheese Spread mixed with Cajun Marinade from Kansas Flavor
  • Honey Goat Cheese (Trader Joe’s) covered in Beesponsible Wildflower Honey
  • The Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb Cheese (Walmart) topped with fresh baby dill
  • Sliced White Cheddar (Private Selection from Kroger)

PROTEINS:

  • Smoked Salmon Slices (Walmart)
  • Salami (Trader Joe’s)
  • Prosciutto (Trader Joe’s)
  • Pepperoni (Trader Joe’s)

NUTS & CRUNCH:

FRUITS & VEGGIES:

  • Pickles Brussel Sprouts (Urban Prairie)
  • Sliced Tomatoes sprinkled with Smoked Garlic Salt (Orie’s Farm Fresh)
  • Jalapeño Mustard (Urban Prairie)
  • Fig Jam (Trader Joe’s)
  • Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives (Trader Joe’s)
  • Artichoke Hearts Segments (Trader Joe’s)
  • Clementine Orange Segments
  • Pink Lady Apple Slices
  • Dried Cranberries

I recommend a dry red wine to enjoy with it such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. We sipped on 2018 Happy Camper while nibbling on the delightful spread.

In the market for a serving board? I used a bamboo cutting board and a pizza board with a handle, which worked perfectly!

While the specific items chosen for our charcuterie board appeal to us, you should customize your selection to your taste. It’s really just an excuse to try new gourmet foods paired with your tried and true favorites.

Have a delightful time shopping for ingredients and designing an epic board of your own!

 

 

 

5 Craft Beers You Need to Try

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I can’t say when it happened, but there’s not debating it now. I’ve clearly switched over from my former life as a red wine drinker to a true craft beer fan. Cheers to that!

According to the Brewer’s Association, there were over 6,300 craft breweries in the United States as of 2017. The largest segment of growth in that count came from the opening of new brewpubs starting in 2012, a number that has exponentially grown since the report. So, it’s no surprise that my love of the suds is also growing exponentially!

A fan of unfiltered and fruit-forward brews, I’ve narrowed down my list to five must-have beers. I don’t like hoppy beers so you won’t find those on my list. However, my go-to selection includes a few shining stars you should be sipping on! Without further a do, I give you 5 Craft Beers You Need to Try!

  1. Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat 4.4% – Described as an “ale with natural citrusy flavor,” it’s Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Company’s best selling beer for its drinkability. Why do I love it? It’s smooth, full of flavor, and drinks like a slightly  sweetened ballpark light beer. I’ve yet to find a type of food that I can’t drink it with OR a friend who doesn’t want to drink one with me. If you have the opportunity to visit the brewery, I highly recommend making a reservation for a tour of the facility. Having visited on my birthday a few years back, I have fond memories of toasting to another great year in their tasting room!

    Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat
  2. Free State Brewery’s Guavatas Sour 4.65% – A graduate of the University of Kansas, I spent Mondays at Free State Brewery drinking ales shoulder-to-shoulder with townies and college students alike on $1 Pint Night. The “sour” craze wasn’t popular back in the day (boy did I just sound old!) so I drank their Wheat State Golden or Ad Astra Ale. Today, I’m a big fan of sours so I can’t recommend their small batch Guavatas Sour enough! Don’t be alarmed to see pulpy bits of guava in your glass after the pour – that’s normal! Why do I love it? It’s tropical notes beckon thoughts of summer and it’s mild tartness finishes nicely. The brewery’s slogan “Because Without Beer Things Don’t Seem To Go As Well” basically sums up my college experience and I’m still drinking their beer two decades later. That says something about their beer’s consistency and quality.
    Free State Guavatas Sour

    3. Uinta Crisp Apple Ale 4.0% – Clearly I’m a fan of beers with fruity notes. I grabbed a six back of Uinta’s Crisp Apple Ale on a whim and I’ve purchased it many times since then. The Uinta Brewery, located in Salt Lake City, was founded by a guy who transitioned from a home brewer to a professional set-up in a leased mechanic’s garage. They brew all types of craft beer, but I’m partial to their brews featuring fruit including grapefruit, mango, and apple. Why do I love it? It’s a light beer with a slight apple after-taste, which is always refreshing on the palette. Craving apple pie, now?

    Uinta Apple Ale

    4. Boulevard Jam Band Berry Ale 5.9% – Unlike any beer I’ve ever tasted, Boulevard’s Jam Band Berry Ale is like a dessert in a glass. This ale’s bold taste includes blueberries, raspberries, and tart cherries. I assumed this beer would be one Boulevard would make only for awhile due to the cost of using loads of fruit. I assumed it would be one of those one-offs that wouldn’t stay on liquor store shelves. I’m glad they proved me wrong. Lucky us! If you don’t like sweet beers or ciders, steer clear of this one. Why do I love it? Loaded with berry and citrus flavor, this beer balances malt with real fruit flavor. It’s my jam! 5. Roadie Grapefruit Radler 4.2% – So I need to apologize. This beer isn’t one that you can try today because it is a seasonal that is only available April-August, but it is worth the wait! Brewed in 5 gallon barrels to be heavy in citrus flavor using grapefruit puree, it’s an tangy, crisp beer perfect for drinking on a hot summer day. Why do I love it? I love all things grapefruit. Denver’s Great Divide Brewing Company’s seasonal beer is one of my must-haves. It even smells good (ha!). Although it has a tart finish, you can drink more than one in a drinking session.

    It’s not easy to narrow my list to five craft beers, but this compilation represents my current faves. I might just have to write another post for my go-to seasonal picks this fall! What are you drinking right now? I’m eager to hear which craft beer you think I should try next – remember I like ales and sours more than any other kind! Leave your recommendation in the comments section below.

 

 

Mixed Berry Popsicles with Coconut Water

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The quintessential summer dessert is the classic popsicle. Wouldn’t you agree? Sure melted s’mores are delicious, but I consider s’mores more of a fall dessert made around a campfire. I have fond memories of the ice cream truck cruising down the city street. It conjures up nostalgic thoughts of having to choose from tri-colored bomb pops, ice cream drumsticks or fruity popsicles. A tough decision! Which one did you choose? I used my 75 cents to buy the rainbow popsicle almost every time.

Now an adult, I still mark summer by indulging in a colorful popsicle, but I’d rather not ingest corn fructose syrup or ingredients I can’t pronounce. So, this summer I made Mixed Berry Popsicles with Coconut Water, a thirst-quenching treat made from natural flavors!

I used frozen, mixed berries and coconut water, which is low in calories and high in nutrients. The benefits of coconut water will convince you that it’s worth trying!

I used frozen organic fruit, but you could easily use canned or fresh fruit as well.

I prepared them using Koji popsicle molds, which I purchased at Target last year. Filling the molds is as easy as adding a tablespoon (or two!) of mixed frozen berries, filling the mold with coconut water almost to the top of it, a tiny bit of Stevia, and a pinch of lime zest for added tanginess. You could add lime juice instead of zest as well. Prepping the yummy popsicles only takes minutes and they are ready to enjoy within a few hours of placing them in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat them, remove the popsicle molds from the freezer and let them sit out on the counter for about ten minutes or so. Allowing them to thaw out will help you easily remove the popsicles from the mold. Isn’t it cool how the whole berries can be seen through the frozen coconut water? These popsicles are not only yummy tasting but they’re pretty, too!

What was your summer like? I spent mine living for the weekend and trying to squeeze the most delightful moments out of each day. I’m not ready for fall temperatures or lattes just yet. I’ve got popsicles to enjoy on the back porch while watching the gorgeous Kansas sunset!

Baked Apples Filled with Oatmeal, Dates and Brown Sugar

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Hello, Fall! Good to see you again.

October is the best month of the year. Why? It’s my birthday month (holla!), breweries are prepping for Oktoberfest, and the food….oh, the food!

Many cooks have prepared baked apples to welcome autumn, but my recipe incorporates chopped dates and walnuts with oatmeal to bring home real fall flavor. Leave room for dessert tonight because you will want to gobble up the entire apple. They serve well with vanilla bean ice cream too!

Prior to baking, stuff these babies as full as you can with the filling ingredients.

Here are the instructions for Baked Apples with Oatmeal, Dates and Brown Sugar:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Wash two Pink Lady Apples. Core out the inside without penetrating the bottom. (Remove about half of the apple’s core.)

3. Add the butter to a small microwavable bowl and heat it about 10 seconds until it’s melted. Add remaining filling ingredients. Stir to combine all thoroughly.

4. Stuff each apple with the filling.

5. Set apples upright into baking dish. Add enough water around the apples until the bottom surface is covered.

6. Bake apples at 350 degrees for one hour. Serve warm. Devour.

The apple’s exterior color fades during baking, but the flavor is accentuated. Trust me. These apples are delicious on their own or served with vanilla bean ice cream.

2 large apples

Baked Apples Filled with Oatmeal, Dates, and Brown Sugar

It's not fall until you've served stuffed baked apples for dessert. Core, stuff, and bake!

15 minPrep Time

1 minCook Time

16 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 cored, large Pink Lady apples
  • 4 T unsalted butter
  • Filling:
  • 1/4 c. oatmeal
  • 1/4 c. chopped dates
  • 1/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Wash and core apples but don't remove all of the inside of the apple. Leave enough apple that you don't pierce the bottom of the apple.
  3. Melt butter in a microwavable dish.
  4. Add remaining filling ingredients.
  5. Stir butter and filling ingredients thoroughly. Stuff filling into each apple evenly. (You can add a few extra walnuts or oatmeal, if you desire.)
  6. Place apples in baking dish. Fill dish with enough water to cover the bottom of the dish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
  8. Serve warm.
7.8.1.2
82
https://onedelightfullife.com/baked-apples-filled-oatmeal-dates-brown-sugar/

Nutrition

Calories

2242 cal

Fat

79 g

Carbs

376 g

Protein

36 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Stuffed Baked Apples

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

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I didn’t want to make the typical fall dessert. You know the kind. Pumpkin Pie. Caramel Brownies. Nope! I wanted to make something fresh, comforting, and over the top delicious. My Decadent Poached Pears made with cabernet and apple cider is the quintessential fall dessert.

Made with 19 Crimes Cabernet and Louisburg Mill Apple Cider, this recipe for Decadent Poached Pears takes a new twist on the typical poached pear recipe. Instead of adding orange juice, I used my favorite autumnal beverage, apple cider, which gives the pear glaze its rich flavor.

First, clean two red pears. Using a paring knife, remove the skin of each pear. Do not remove the stem. Slice the bottom of each pear off so it sits flat on the cutting board.

Second, add the cabernet, apple, cider, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon stick to a small stovetop pot.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil and then reduce the heat. Stir frequently.

Third, add the prepped pears to the pot. The heat should be turned to low right now.

This is what the pears look like before you spoon the liquid over them.

Spoon the liquid over the pears several times. Allow to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, lay each pear on its side and spoon more liquid over it. Set a time for 5 minutes. After the five minutes expire, repeat the process turning the pears to their other side. Repeat this process for a total of 20 minutes are until the pears are tender.

Fourth, remove the steamed pears (they should be tender when pierced with a toothpick or spoon) and place them in a wide bowl.

Fifth, remove the cinnamon stick from the liquid. Increase the heat back to the high setting to bring the liquid to a boil stirring constantly for five minutes until it thickens to glaze. Remove from heat.

Lastly, spoon cabernet glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Add cinnamon sticks for garnish.

2 pears

Decadent Poached Pears made with Cabernet and Apple Cider

Impress holiday guests with this seasonal dessert that promises to wow a crowd and is super easy to prepare.

15 minPrep Time

30 minCook Time

45 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 peeled, whole red pears
  • 1 c. cabernet
  • 1/8 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. apple cider
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Using a small paring knife to peel the pear but leave the stem.
  2. Slide off the bottom of each pair so it sits evenly.
  3. Over medium heat combine the cabernet, sugar, and apple cider and stir frequently.
  4. Reduce to a simmer.
  5. Place the apples into the pot sitting on their base.
  6. Add the cinnamon stick to the pot.
  7. Spoon the cabernet liquid over all sides of each pear. Set a timer for five minutes.
  8. After the five minutes expire, put the apples on their sides and spoon more of the cabernet liquid over them. Set a time for five minutes.
  9. Repeat these five minute intervals two to three more times always rotating the pears each time to guarantee that the color covers the pear evenly.
  10. Check the pears for softness after about 20 minutes of rotation intervals.
  11. Remove the pears and allow them to cool in a wide bowl.
  12. Remove the cinnamon stick.
  13. Bring the heat of the pot back up to medium high and stir the cabernet liquid continuously until the liquid thickens to a glaze (approximately 10-15 minutes).
  14. Pour the finished glaze over the pears and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can substitute orange juice for apple cider if you prefer a citrus flavor note.

7.8.1.2
81
https://onedelightfullife.com/decadent-poached-pears-made-cabernet-apple-cider/

Nutrition

Calories

601 cal

Carbs

174 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

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Some of the best tasting recipes are simply made and cocktails are no different.

Made with Bacardi Limon Rum this boozy Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash cocktail uses fruit that is in season and doesn’t require you to make fresh lemonade. Simply add citrus flavored rum over ice, fill the glass 3/4 of the way full with store bought pink lemonade, top with lemon seltzer water, a squeeze of lemon wedge and stir. I prefer to cut the citrus sour flavor with a teaspoon of sugar or Splenda. Then, garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon and you’re on your way to happy hour!

Here’s the recipe rundown quick list:

  • 1 travel sized bottle of Bacardi Limon Rum
  • 1 small bottle of store bought pink lemonade
  • 1 can of lemon seltzer water
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp sugar or Splenda
  • ice
  • garnishes = sprig of mint, slice of lemon

Don’t forget to add a fancy Nancy straw. Now that’s one pretty drink. Pretty delightful that is…;-) Cheers!

If you’re not interested in adding alcohol and want to drink a poolside mocktail instead, simply add more lemonade or seltzer water in place of the rum.

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

A big fan of seasonal blueberries? Try my take on a warm Vanilla Blueberry Sauce that goes great over lemon bars or ice cream. Still craving blueberries? Add them to fresh fruit to create a last minute picnic side Watermelon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Mint.