Category Archives: Gnaw On This

Poor (Wo)man’s Charcuterie Board

If you’ve ever assembled your own fancy charcuterie (say shar-koo-tur-ee)/cheese board to pair with your favorite wine, you know it’s not as cheap as it looks. Sure, you can grab a couple blocks of average cheeses (think sharp cheddar and mozzarella), but let’s be honest, that’s just a boring cheese and cracker situation.

So how do you get the good stuff on a budget? If you like variety like I do, it’s going to be pretty wasteful (and expensive) if you get some big ol’ chunks of stinky cheeses. Let’s first determine what makes a fun and delicious charcuterie plate.

Cured meats
Cheeses
Nuts
Fruit/Veggies
Sauces/Condiments
Crackers/Bread

The expensive part is the meat and cheese. Surprise, surprise…I have the way you can enjoy this for a small group (2-4) and not break the bank.

Cured Meats – Go to your grocery deli counter and ask for 1/4 lb. of your favorite options (salami, turkey, etc.). No need to buy several full packages as a full platter of goodies will be plenty to fill your belly.

Cheeses – Some specialty grocers (Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, New Seasons Market) have random hunks of cheese, that are essentially odd shaped end pieces, thrown into a basket near the cheese area. This is where you find those ridiculous $39.99/lb options. All you need is a tiny sliver to enjoy. Can you imagine getting normal size blocks varying from $14.99/lb – $39.99/lb. Forget about it!

Nuts – Depending on what kind of nuts you like, this could be a little bit pricier. Grab one of those snack pack single servings you find at the checkout counter.

Fruit/Veggies – This one’s already a fairly cheap option. I love apples with cheese, and you only really need about a half of an apple between 2 people. I usually rummage through my crisper to see what I have. I added carrots in the platter above. If you want your plate to be pretty too, berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) and kiwi are good choices).

Sauces/Condiments – I’m a real saucy broad, so this is my favorite add. Great options include: jellies/jams, mustards, and honey.

Crackers/Bread – Let’s be honest, while we love our carby options, they are just a vessel in which to get the tasty treats to our mouths. Grab a 99 cent grocery store baguette or any generic cracker you enjoy.

If you know of any other grocers that have an end piece cheese basket, let me know in the comments below!

For your viewing pleasure…look at the color the fruit brings.

No More Wasting Food…Brilliant!

by I got inspired. Inspired to get involved and inspired to dig up the ol’ Achiever Beaver.

Mr. Beaverelli forwarded me an article talking about a new app called OLIO that will reduce the waste of food. As you all know, I HATE waste and do everything I can to prevent it.

The company was started by by a woman in England (notice the spelling of some words) and an American woman from Iowa with the following idea in mind:

“OLIO is a free app connecting people with their neighbours and with local shops so surplus food and other items can be shared, not thrown away.

If you love food, hate waste, care about the environment or want to connect with your community, OLIO is for you.”

I immediately signed up to not only be an ambassador, but to also be a Food Waste Hero (FWH). I’m volunteering to spread the word about the app…after all, the more participants, the better…and to be matched up with local food vendors, bakeries, food grocers, restaurants, etc. A FWH then brings these items home and posts them to OLIO to distribute to those in need/want.

ADDED BONUS: It isn’t all about food. You can give away non-food items for free…or even better yet, ask for donations to then give to your favorite charity. I love this idea! How often are you trying to collect donations for that 5k and are struggling to meet your goal? How about those items you haven’t taken to the thrift store yet? Why not post them requesting a donation and meeting your American Cancer Society goal at the same time?

So take a moment to join the revolution…OLIO

Citrus Garlic Vinaigrette

I won’t even buy dressing in a bottle anymore. For one, they put a lot of preservatives and crap in it…2, I don’t really like the taste anyway. Making your own is the way to go, and it’s not that difficult! I prefer vinaigrette anyway, so they are often pretty easy to throw together. This one is great for a nice summer salad to take to a BBQ.

Total Time: 10 mins

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Ingredients

Servings 6-8

Units US

2 medium oranges
1 medium lemon
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
Sea salt to taste

1. Click the photo below to learn how to cut that lemon the right way (yes, I said RIGHT way) and squeeze the juice into a small bowl or ramekin.

2. Cut the oranges in half and use a citrus juicer over the bowl/ramekin. My hand held one works just fine.

3. One of my favorite kitchen tools is the grater plate. It turns garlic into a paste. More details about it here and where you can buy it: Kitchen Must-Have: Grater Plate. Add it into the juice mixture.

4. Add olive oil.

5. Add salt to taste.

What Is A Must-See In Every City You Visit?

The local outdoor markets, that’s what. Whether it’s an open market, farmer’s market, flea market or swap meet, it’s the place to go to find some local culture…and usually at a discount! I always find that you can learn a lot about the region by doing this. Not to mention delicious eats from pop-up vendors too. I enjoy going to the swap meets and farmer’s markets in San Diego, so why wouldn’t I want to find them in foreign lands or cities? My main focus is usually food and jewelry.

Here is a market we discovered in Florence, Italy.With plenty of tasty treats. Too bad we had just eaten and the cruise ship doesn’t let us bring food back.

Mmmm, mini crepes…

The produce in Rome, Italy is simply amazing. All of the colors and freshness.

Free Grappa samples…don’t mind if I do…Our new scarves. Unfortunately, I think these were made in China.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Lots of these charcuterie counters OUTSIDE. There isn’t a lack of patronage here, that’s for sure.

I purchased several pieces of this volcanic rock jewelry…rock bottom prices!

And right here in the good ol’ US of A, at the Portland Saturday Market.

Skip the shopping malls and get outdoors. The exception, of course, is if you’re traveling during cold winter months, you’re probably not going to find these little spots of heaven.