Charcuterie Board

Cheese: 2 oz per person (4 oz per person if this is the only food item)

• Soft Cheese (2-3 types): Brie, Camembert, Cambozola, Burrata, Blue, Fontina, Goat
• Semi Hard (2-3 types): Gouda, White Cheddar, Manchego, Gruyere, Caramelized Onion Cheddar*
• Spreadable Cheese (1): Boursin Garlic Cheese*
• 8 oz Mini Mozzarella Cheese Balls*

Our favorite cheeses: Port Salut (Smith’s), Merlot Bellavitano (Smith’s) and Caramelized Onion (Trader Joe’s)

Meats: 1-2 oz per person (2-4 oz per person if this is the only food item)

• Prosciutto (Combo pack*)
• Gor Pepperoni
• Calabrese 
• Salami

Fruits:

• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Apple
• Pear
• Figs (Dried?)
• Clementines
• Dried Apricots*
• Dried Prunes
• Dark Cherries

Other:

• One Large Board or Flat Platter or Cookie Sheet
• Assorted Crackers*
• Baguette
• Honey
• Jam or Fruit Spread
• Green Olives
• Trail mix - Almond Cashew Chocolate Mix*

*Get at Trader Joe's

Instructions:

1. Gather board, small bowls, appetizer forks, spreaders, cheese knifes.
2. Clean the board or surface and dry thoroughly.
3. Wash and gently pat dry any fruits being used.
4. Unwrap the cheese and meats being used.
5. Slice any cheese and meats that need to be sliced
1. Use some parchment paper or wax paper to protect your board from any grease from the meat or cheeses.
6. Start at the center of the board and arrange items on the board. Try to set contrasting colors and shapes together to create a more visual interest.
7. Have the board ready about 30 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to soften to make easier for spreading.

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:

• 10 oz bag Spinach Leaves (Chopped)
• 14 oz Artichoke Hearts (Chopped)
• 2- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 5 tsp minced Garlic
• 1 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (grated)
• 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Serve with:

• Baguette Slices
• Chips 
• Crackers

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350.  In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream with an electric mixer until smooth and mixed.
2. Stir in chopped spinach leaves, chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
3. Spread dip into an 9x13 baking dish. Top with any leftover mozzarella and parmesan cheese, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cheese is melted. 

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