Cincinnati April 2024

You can easily scale these to fit whatever crowd you are entertaining, and ingredients can be as
affordable or high-end as you see fit. Here are a few guidelines for getting started.
MEATS: CHOOSE 2+
The original definition of a charcuterie is a collection of cold, cooked meats. So, this is a good place
to start. Consider picking a reliable classic such as ham or turkey. Then add a spicier selection
or two. Jacob recommends Leoncini Prosciutto di Parma, Smoking Goose Sopressata Salami, and
Zoe’s Ghost Pepper Salami. “I am particularly partial to the Smoking Goose brand which is made
in Indianapolis. They source all their pork from farms in Indiana. It’s uniquely spiced with a little
nutmeg and clove.”
CHEESES: CHOOSE 4+
Selecting a soft cheese, a semi-soft cheese, a firm cheese, and a blue cheese will provide for a
balanced combination. Have fun with these selections, they seem to generate the most buzz
among your guests. Jacob particularly likes Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Urban Stead Gouda (made
in Walnut Hills) and Barber’s English Cheddar. “The Urban Stead Gouda is a well-balanced, nice
and buttery, younger gouda.”
BREAD & CRACKERS: 2-3
A few clusters of gourmet crackers work well for staging those smaller bites. Add a hearty bread,
such as a baguette, ciabatta, or nutty whole grain loaf, sliced into small sections. “I like Firehook
crackers,” Jacob says. “They’re thin but sturdy crackers. And they’re really good.”
FRUITS: 3+
Fruits are great for adding splashes of color to your board. Consider using dried or candied
fruits, like dried apricots and dried strawberries, Jacob says. “We carry a lot of these in our bulk
and produce departments. For fresh fruit I am partial to pears more than apples. And grapes
obviously.”
SPREADS: 2+
You should include at least one sweet and one savory spread. Jungle Jim’s carries a great item
made by “In the Curious Kitchen” in Northern Kentucky. “The owner, Mary Hennigan, makes
a bourbon honey mustard that’s amazing,” says Jacob. A hummus or tapenade also works well.
The sky is the limit on the sweet side. It could be as simple as a local honey, or as elegant as a
homemade chutney or jam.
FINAL TOUCHES
Small but mighty details to add include pickles, veggies, and olives. “At Jungle Jim’s, our olive bar
has every olive you can think of,” Jacob says. “I am partial to blue cheese or garlic stuffed myself.”
Add in a variety of nuts—walnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans—there’s not a bad
choice in the bunch. A sprig of rosemary, or another fresh herb, adds a perfect finishing touch.
ASSEMBLY
When building your board, start with one of your larger items as a focal point, place the items
in order of biggest to smallest. Meats can be sliced or folded or rolled up in individual tasting
sizes. Soft cheeses should be served with a spreader or butter knife. Hard cheeses can be sliced,
cubed, or served with a knife. The smaller items, such as bread slices, crackers and nuts should be
included in a couple different areas so that they are easily within reach for everyone. Mustards and
jams can be placed in small ramekins scattered around the board with spreaders nearby.
VISIT JACOB AND HIS CHARCUTERIE TEAM AT JUNGLE JIM’S
While assembly may seem intimidating, you really can’t mess it up. But if you’d rather have a bit of
help, stop by the service counter in Jungle Jim’s cheese shop. Jacob says his team will be happy to help
you pick everything out to build your own incredible charcuterie board.
SCAN FOR EVENTS AT THE JUNGLE!
Eastgate
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45245
Fairfield
5440 Dixie Hwy
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
EVENTS
home & leisure 2024 49