Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. πŸ’•

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!πŸŒπŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! πŸ€

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! πŸ₯§ Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! πŸ₯§ 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! πŸ’•

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
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Entertaining, Food · November 4, 2019

How to Create the Perfect Charcuterie Board


create the perfect charcuterie board

Is there anything better than a delicious charcuterie board? They such a great crowd pleaser and have become so so popular over the past few years. Honestly, I credit the spike in popularity to our parents. They started us out on Lunchables in elementary school, so we know what a delectable treat cheese, meat and crackers can be. Now that millennials are adults, we’ve really perfected the craft and have a board at every party, book club, and neighborhood dinner.

There is a strategy to creating the perfect charcuterie board. You can’t just plop cheese and meat down and call it a day. To create the perfect charcuterie board you need a plan when tackling the grocery store.

Today, I’m going to share my strategies for creating the perfect charcuterie board.

Picking the perfect cheese

Unless you are a cheese connoisseur, I recommend getting help at your local market. If you head to a Fresh Market, Whole Foods, or even an upgraded Kroger someone will definitely be able to help you pick the perfect cheeses for your board. They can also help you cut your cheese into artful wedges or cubes. If you truly don’t know where to start, ask!

The most important thing when it comes to cheese is balance. You don’t want all hard or all soft cheeses. You’ll want a balance. I recommend getting at least one firm, one soft and one fresh cheese. If you are making a larger charcuterie board, you can pick several of each. Some of my favorites are Gouda, pepper jack, fresh mozzarella, brie, blue cheese, Parmesan, or goat cheese.

Don’t feel like you have to be super super fancy on your cheeses and neglect your basics. Cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella are excellent choices for a charcuterie board.

Finding the right meat

Again, never feel ashamed asking for help! However, here are some tips for finding the perfect meats to pair with your cheeses. Pork typically plays a large part in a charcuterie board. Some excellent choices are salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, and speck.

Make sure that your meats are easy for guests to pick up. If you have thinly cut slices, fold them up so they are easy to handle. Also select meat that is already pre-cut into small circles like pepperoni.

One of my favorite things to include are the prosciutto and mozzarella roll-ups. They are so tasty and neatly packaged in a little roll. You can find them really anywhere. I bought mine last time at Kroger.

Additional items to include

A charcuterie board is really elevated when it has additional snacks included. I live in the south, so cheese straws are always a good option. Other tasty options include olives, nuts, grapes, crackers, craft pickles and specialty dips.

Some of my favorite dips include: spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken, cheesy bacon, french onion, or a zesty ranch. I’ve also used a cheddar bacon cheese ball. (I turned it into a pumpkin for Halloween.)

My favorite nuts are almonds, but peanuts, pistachios, cashews and pecans are great options too.

There are a ton of options to include as extra treats on your charcuterie board other than cheese and meat. Visit your local store for great individual options. You can also go to a farmer’s market for local options like pickles.

How to arrange your charcuterie board

You don’t want to include all your cheese on one side and your meat on another, so create a fun balance. Also, be sure to sprinkle your extra treats throughout the board too. I love to utilize ramekins to give more levels to my board. Side note: my ramekin set was one of my favorite wedding presents. You can never have too many and seriously I use them every single day for one thing or another.

If you have cubes of cheese, you can add several piles in different locations on the board to give more access points to the cheese. Same with grapes and meats. Include a small shot glass of toothpicks nearby so people don’t have to use their fingers to pick up the food.

If you run out of room on your board, you can do a separate platter of crackers. I typically have to do this. You can make an entire table into a charcuterie board by using butcher paper and then you can include everything on one surface, but if you run out of room feel free to make separate plates of crackers.

There we have it! I really love making these boards for parties and dinners. What are your favorite things to add to a charcuterie board?

In: Entertaining, Food

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Comments

  1. Kileen says

    November 6, 2019 at 12:30 am

    This post is so helpful, especially with the holiday season coming up. I found this to be extremely useful and this looks so yummy as well!!

    Kileen
    cute & little

  2. Cristina says

    November 6, 2019 at 2:29 am

    I had no idea it’s called charcuterie. I called it “cheese board”, haha.

  3. Christa Del Giorno says

    November 6, 2019 at 9:49 am

    I love a good charcuterie board! Yours looks gorgeous. I’ll have to improve my game.

  4. aisasami says

    November 6, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I never heard of charcuterie board but I did have lunchables before. I will have to create one for a potluck I will attend soon.

  5. CindyMoore says

    November 6, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    So attractively arranged! Your board not only tastes good, it looks party perfect.

  6. Aarika Chilson says

    November 8, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    Thanks for the charcuterie board tips! I love your display. It’s beautiful! I always love a good charcuterie board during the holidays.

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Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be Today we're making frito corn salad! This might be the most southern dish I've ever made. However, it is a perfect side to take to a barbecue or to make for a summer party. 

It's also the perfect dish to make if your kitchen is under construction like mine was for this video. It's a cold dish so nothing to heat up. 

First, mix together two cans of drained whole-kernel corn, two cups of mexican blend cheese, one cup of light mayo, diced red pepper, pepper and a bit of cilantro in a bowl. Then, add crushed Chili Cheese Fritos and mix well. Serve and enjoy! 

#recipereel #sidedishrecipes #sidedishes #cornsalad #cornrecipes #barbecuerecipes #recipereels #easyrecipeideas #easyrecipesformoms
You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeli You'll just have to excuse me this week. I'm feeling extra sappy. I love sharing a birthday week with my boy, and I'm extra grateful for another year with my tiny bestie. πŸ’•

Thanks for all the birthday love! Can't wait to celebrate my sweet boy the rest of the week! 

Cover photo is from the incredibly talented @keikilaniphotography 

#toddlermoments #dailymotherhood #toddlerboymom #toddlermomma #twoyearolds
It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨ It's my birthday! We're making glitter drinks! ✨

This is my favorite way to make a regular drink feel fancy! Sprinkle a little edible glitter in a silicone mold and fill with water and freeze. When it melts, your drink will be cute and sparkly.

My drink today is two ounces of bourbon, one ounce of peach syrup, lemon juice and club soda! Stir and watch it sparkle. 

#glittercocktail #peachcocktail #birthdaydrink #birthdaycocktails #edibleglitter #easydrinks #easydrink #easydrinking #signaturedrinks #recipereel
Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Maste Today we're making golf tee cupcakes for the Masters! ⛳️

First, either make or purchase cupcakes with green frosting. My kitchen was under construction for this video, so I purchased mine. But you can easily make your own and even use the grass piping tip to make grass. 

Then I found these golf-tee toothpicks. Place one in each cupcake. 

Then use cookie icing to secure a white chocolate truffle to each of the tees. 

Allow the icing to harden, serve and enjoy!

#mastersparty #masterssunday #masterstournament #springdesserts #golfcupcakes #golfparty #golfpartyideas #springparty #recipereels #cupcakereel #cupcakereels
Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painte Obsessed!! From the day we got the cabinets painted to the finished project with backsplash and under cabinet lighting. I love our kitchen so much! 

We are going to replace the outlet and switch covers to blend a little more, but for now, we are so excited to have this completed kitchen! 

#kitchenreno #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenremodels #kitchenrenos #kitchenrenovations #farrowandballpaint #kitchencabinetsmakeover #kitchenbacksplash #kitchenidea #kitcheninspo #coastalgrandmother
Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for Today, we're making a super simple centerpiece for your Masters viewing parties. ⛳️ 

First, take a vase and place a small shot glass in the bottom. 

Then fill the vase around the shot glass with golf balls. 

Place the stems of some faux grass into the shot glass and use for decoration!πŸŒπŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

#masterstournament #masterssunday #mastersparty #golfparty #golfpartyideas #centerpieceideas #centerpiecesideas
Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰 Today, we're making bunny bundts for Easter. 🐰

My kitchen was still under construction for this video, so I prepurchased my mini bundt cakes, but feel free to make your own! 

Use a tube of green icing and a grass piping tip to create grass on the top of the bundt. 

Then use a toothpick to secure a bunny peep in the grass. Place a few eggs and jelly beans around the bunny. Serve and enjoy!

#easterrecipes #minibundtcakes #bunnybundts #easterdesserts #easterdessert #easterparty #easterdinner #recipereel #easterideas #springdessert #minibunny #minibundt
Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for S Today we're making Rainbow Cookie Sandwiches for St. Patrick's Day. 🌈 

First either make or purchase M&M chocolate chip cookies to represent your rainbow. My kitchen is still under construction, so I purchased mine from the grocery store. 

Then fill a ziploc bag with frosting and snip off the corner. Coat the back of the cookie with frosting and then place another cookie on top. Squeeze until the frosting is at the edge then roll the entire cookie in green sprinkles. 

Serve and enjoy! πŸ€

#stpatricksdaycookies #stpatricksdaytreats #springcookies #rainbowcookies #cookierecipes #recipereel #easyrecipesformoms #easyrecipesforkids #stpatricksday2023
#ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! πŸ₯§ Today we #ad Today is March 14, or Pi Day! πŸ₯§ 

Today we are baking a fun Pi Day-themed apple pie from @pollyspies who offers nationwide shipping on their delicious double-crusted pies! After 55 years in business, Polly's pies are still family-owned! 

There are lots of pie flavors to choose from and the pies ship directly to you frozen and packaged in dry ice. Add a little egg wash, and bake for a delicious, classic pie! 🍎

Sending a pie is a great idea for someone celebrating a birthday, a new baby or who just would love a traditional, delicious pie! 

You can use my code helen15 for 15% off your order of $50 or more! Happy Pi Day! πŸ’•

#pollyspies #saveroomforpie #pollyspiespartner #recipereel #pidaypie #pierecipes #applepierecipe
Picking just a few photos to share from our family Picking just a few photos to share from our family photoshoot with @keikilaniphotography was the hardest thing ever! 

I'm saving Ben's 2-year-old portraits for his birthday so that made it a little easier, but every picture Jennifer sent us is just perfection.

Love these two with all my heart. So grateful for this life. πŸ’•

Linking mine and Ben's outfits in the @shop.ltk app! https://liketk.it/44beG

#familyphotoshootideas #familyphotooutfits #toddlermoments #shopltk #ltkfamily

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