Building a Maine-Inspired Charcuterie Board

We know many of your are headed out for your Friendsgivings and Thanksgivings. If you are like me, you might also be tasked with bringing the charcuterie board!

When it comes to crafting a charcuterie board, nothing feels more special than incorporating local flavors and artisan creations. I think a charcuterie board can be a celebration of Maine's bountiful food scene, showcasing the craftsmanship of local makers and the natural goodness of the Pine Tree State. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this board truly unique and how you can replicate it for your next gathering.

The Star Ingredients

  1. Maine Crisp Crackers

    • Flavors: Wild Blueberry Walnut, Savory Fig & Thyme, and Cranberry Almond

    • These gluten-free, buckwheat-based crackers are a delightful pairing for cheeses and spreads, each flavor bringing its own unique sweetness or herbaceous profile. Maine Crisp is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Maine’s food artisans.

  2. Cheese Selection

    • Pineland Farms Reserve Cheddar: Aged to perfection, this cheddar is bold and creamy with the kind of sharpness that pairs beautifully with nuts and dried fruit. We love supporting Pineland because they remind us of our favorite event of the year, our Graze dinners put on Black Tie Catering.

    • Balfour Farm Pine Tree Cheese: This hard, rich, and savory adds a sharp crumbly cheese to the mix. Balfour Farm is a certified organic dairy and farmstead creamery in Pittsfield, Maine.

    • Vermont Creamery Goat Cheese Clover Blossom Honey: This mild fresh goat cheese is blended with sweet clover blossom honey.

    • Merlot BellaVitano Cheese: While not from Maine, this cheese adds a touch of elegance, with its wine-washed rind and nutty, fruity notes.

  3. Meats

    • Veroni Antipasto Italiano: A selection of high-quality Italian cured meats that complement the Maine-made elements beautifully.

  4. Fresh and Dried Fruits

    • Juicy organic red grapes and a vibrant pomegranate add freshness, while dried fruits would make a lovely addition for added texture and flavor balance.

  5. Nuts

    • A mix of almonds, cashews, and other nuts provide crunch and balance to the softer cheeses and crackers.

  6. Sweet and Savory Extras

    • The Honey Exchange’s Summer Honey from Westbrook, Maine: This honey is ideal for drizzling over cheese or crackers for a hint of sweetness. This little guy was also included in our wine club shipments this month! Honey is super versatile! We love adding it to cheese boards but also as a cocktail ingredient.

    • Raye’s Mustard: A classic Maine product, Raye’s has been making this popular yellow mustard flavor since 1900! This local mustard adds a zesty kick to the board, perfect for pairing with the meats.

Why Choose Local?

Maine’s small-scale producers and family-owned businesses take pride in crafting high-quality products that reflect the state’s natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage. Supporting local makers not only ensures freshness but also contributes to sustaining these important industries.

Tips for Assembly

  1. Balance Your Flavors: Include a mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements to please all palates.

  2. Play with Colors and Textures: The vibrant reds of the pomegranate and grapes add visual appeal, while the variety of crackers, meats, and cheeses keep the board interesting.

  3. Keep It Simple: Focus on quality over quantity. Highlighting local, thoughtfully-made products ensures every bite is memorable.

Where we shopped

  1. Union Wharf Market: We love this little store so much! They have some very special locally made goodies but also fun gift items if you are ready to start your holiday shopping. They also have pre-made items from their talented kitchen that could help you with your holiday table. We snagged their turkey gravy and a pre-made pie to cut down on some of the work this week.

  2. Rosemont Market: These neighborhood markets have it all! They also have regular wine tastings which are always fun.

  3. Hannaford: We are very lucky to have so many local products carried at all of our local Hannafords!

  4. Trader Joes: Trader Joes always has a killer cheese section! If you need a bottle of wine to bring to your host or hostess, Layne will always point you in the right direction. If he isn’t working, look for the Layne’s Picks signs throughout the wine section.

Final Thoughts

This Maine-inspired charcuterie board is more than just a snack; it’s a reflection of the incredible talent and resources found in our state. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or celebrating a special occasion, a board like this is guaranteed to impress your guests and spark conversations about the local food scene.

What’s your favorite Maine-made product to include in a charcuterie board? Let us know in the comments below!

Amanda Denniston