Salami Rose:

• Small Rose -8-10 slices salami, thinly sliced
• Large Rose -12-14 slices salami, thinly sliced

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• 1 bunch of grapes, washed on stem
• 2-3 cheeses of choice firm and soft (brie, cheddar, havarti, goat, blue, parmigiano-reggiano)
• fresh fruit, use seasonal fruit as available (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pineapple)
• nuts, walnuts or pecans, spicy or sweet
• crackers - 2-3 varieties
• honey for drizzling

Organise your charcuterie board or platter along with accessory dishes and serving pieces ready for assembly.  Wash fruit, dry and set aside.  Unwrap cheeses and cut cheddar into bite size pieces.  Place cheese on a plate, cover lightly and set aside till ready to assemble.  If it is over 1 hour before assembly, refrigerate.  

Prepare Salami Roses

To make a small rose, use a champagne glass.  Start by folding the salami in half over the lip of the glass so half of the salami is inside. Place the next piece overlapping the previous piece by laying it half way across and continue around the glass until all pieces are used.  Invert the glass upside down on your board and gently remove the rose.  Use a wine glass to make a larger rose following the same method.

Prepare the charcuterie board one hour before serving to allow cheese to mellow at room temperature.  Use small dishes, plates and bowls to add height and dimension.  Build your board making sure it is colourful and offers lots of variety.