Of course , there are some helpful tips to follow along if you really want to impress your friends . Best to help us with all of our charcuterie needs is Riley Roberson , Wine World ’ s Cheese Department Manager and Charcuterie Board Guru ( okay , the latter isn ’ t her technical title ). Riley has only been with Wine World in Destin for three years , but you would think her creations were something she has been executing for decades . Each tray is carefully crafted with rules Riley has come to follow , ensuring each is tasty and aesthetically pleasing . “ Before she even digs into what she plans to use , questions such as what kind of beer or wine is being consumed during the function , how many people does it need to feed , and what kind of cheeses the client likes are some that Riley starts off with to gain a better understanding of what will pair well and look good .” Other factors also taken into consideration include whether there are any dietary restrictions or allergies that need to be noted .
Charcuterie boards also serve as a medium for exploring other flavors and provisions . Riley explained that charcuterie boards from Wine World provide an excellent way for customers to discover new cheeses they might not otherwise have selected on their own . This exact situation presented itself when I was at a recent event where a Wine World cheese tray was an appetizer . Not only were most people congregating around this slab of snacks , but cheeses like Coupole : an aged goats ’ milk cheese with a wrinkly edible rind and bright , fresh taste and Delice de Bourgogne : a salty , sour , and tart flavor , with a mushroom-y punch that wraps flavors together and BellaVitano Merlot : a rich , creamy cheese with berry and plum notes of Merlot , all became our new favorites we otherwise would not have selected .
Along with selecting your various cheese types , Riley recommends determining what the cheese base will be when it is transferred from the platter to your mouth . Most often selected is bread or crackers . To balance out the palate and include other textures , Riley also suggests incorporating salty , sweet and sour elements . Salty examples would be thinly-sliced meats , nuts and olives . Sour flavors generally include fruits and pickles , while the sweet component often consists of jam , chocolate and honey . Pomegranate seeds are also used as filler in small open spots . By including a variety of items that mesh well together , charcuterie boards prove to be versatile and tasty , and a popular item at Wine World .
For those of us who fail to live within driving distance of a Wine World , or perhaps our bank accounts keep us from ordering these professionally crafted boards routinely , serving up a sharp-looking tray is something anyone can undertake . By incorporating Riley ’ s tools of the trade and keeping a few key products on hand , it is easy to create a delicious centerpiece that will have all of your guests slicing , spreading and indulging in , during your next culinary gathering .
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