Message from Maggie:  One of the most delicious and easy appetizers I like to make is a charcuterie and cheese board.  Depending on the size of your party and what you have planned on the menu later that evening, you can make this as filling or as light as you like.

Directions + Recommended Ingredients:

• Start with a big board- the bigger the better.  I prefer wooden ones but there are also some beautiful marble and slate choices.  Mine was a gift from my co-worker Lindsay, but you can find affordable versions at Target or even TJ Maxx -or higher end ones at places like West Elm and William Sonoma.
• Creating small sections arrange ingredients around the board that are a combination of colorful, fresh, dried, salty, sweet, soft and crunchy items around the board.
• Items I like to include:
  • Meat (salami, Soprasata)
  • Different types of cheese (fresh mozzarella drizzled in olive oil and basil, sharp cheddar, brie, goat)
  • Dried fruit (Craisins, yellow raisins, California figs)
  • Nuts (Macademia, candied walnuts, salted almonds)
  • Hummus (place in a tiny bowl)
  • Vegetables (peppers, carrots, fresh tomatoes, roasted red pepper, celery sticks)
  • Crackers (I am partial to gluten free rice crackers)
• Serve with small plates, toothpicks, and cute appetizer napkins.

Photograph:

Allergens:

• Depending on what you chose this recipe can suit any dietary restrictions or choices.