How to recreate the perfect cheese platter at home, as if you were a haute cuisine tavern 

The Tuscan cutting board is a typical appetizer of the Tuscany region. It is called a cutting board, precisely because the presentation of this appetizer is served on a wooden cutting board. There are many restaurants that have this appetizer on the menu, but by buying quality products we can propose it again and enjoy it from home.

In the Tuscan cutting board the products that can not miss are: raw prosciutto, salami, finocchiona, coppa and mortadella. There are also numerous qualities of cheeses such as: fresh pecorino Toscano, aged Tuscan pecorino and organic semi-seasoned pecorino which are often accompanied with honey typical of the place. Also a must of this appetizer are: black croutons, with beans, bruschetta with tomatoes and polentine with porcini mushrooms. So what are you waiting for? Free your imagination and have fun creating an appetizer full of color, tradition and quality.

A rich platter of cold cuts and cheeses is certainly one of the simplest and most spectacular dishes to serve at a family dinner, with friends, but also on special occasions! Very quick to prepare in advance, it does not require cooking and can be stored in the refrigerator already assembled, until it is time to serve it... The first precaution to follow for a sure success of the dish is the choice of products with which to compose the cutting board. The absolute protagonists are cured meats and cheeses, so it is good to choose a wide variety to ensure different flavors and textures and therefore a complete culinary experience. A good cutting board must include at least five types of cheese, the ideal mix is: one soft, two semi-hard, one seasoned and one blue, also paying attention to the type of milk, to ensure the right balance between cow's, goat's, sheep's or mixed milk cheeses. Serve the aged cheeses in flakes, those with a hard and semi-hard paste in sticks without crust, and slice the soft ones with a bow. For cured meats, however, it is ideal to have at least two raw, one smoked and one cooked, to be served by neatly folding the slices on themselves. In every self-respecting cutting board there must be breadsticks, much more than simple gaskets! Fundamental to dip in the most delicate cheeses, as well as to give crunchiness to the bite in combination with cold cuts and sausages. Condiments to be served in small bowls are also important. Choose sweet compotes, such as those made with chestnuts and pears, but also salted, such as pumpkin and caramelized onions, without forgetting a great classic: honey! Finally, there are ornamental ingredients, such as olives, dried and fresh fruit – especially berries and grapes – and pickles. One of the secrets for the perfect plating of your cutting board is to start the composition from the center, following the so-called clock order which consists in placing the recommended combinations between cured meat and cheese, from the most delicate to the most intense taste, so as not to overwhelm the palate as the tastings progress. Place the breadsticks next to each pair, then add the bowls and, as a last step, use the smaller ingredients to decorate the dish, filling the empty spaces and creating a real triumph of goodness. Remember to let the cutting board already assembled rest in the refrigerator, but bring it back to room temperature at least half an hour before tasting!

It is always a winning idea to serve a platter of thematic cold cuts and cheeses, perhaps inspired by our beautiful country. Therefore, the regional combinations and a composition that allows guests to taste typical local products are perfect. Italian cured meats and cheeses are countless and choosing is not easy, especially respecting the rule of seasoning!

INGREDIENTS

Fresh bread to taste

200 gr Prosciutto

200 gr Finocchiona

200 gr Cup

200 gr Salami

Livers to taste

Tomatoes to taste

Kidney beans to taste

100 gr aged Pecorino cheese

100 gr Fresh Pecorino cheese

PROCEDURE

Start by slicing the bread: one part put it inside a basket, the other part make small pieces and bake them for about 5 minutes. Once out of the oven, season with cherry tomatoes, beans and livers and place them in the center of the hot cutting board. Prepare a bowl of honey, cut the cold cuts and cheeses and place them on the cutting board forming a harmonious composition of colors and taste. 

Enjoy your meal!