The Summer Medley food board is a fusion of flavours and textures and a great option for a light lunch or dinner. 

Welcome to the heartwarming tradition of Bites on Boards! In our family, we believe in the magic of coming together around a carefully crafted food board, savouring each bite, and sharing stories.  We do this once a week, typically on a weekend day. This cherished tradition has now inspired me to share the experience with you through a series of culinary creations that promise to delight your senses and awaken your palate. 

For this Summer Medley food board, each bite tells a story of contrasting yet harmonizing flavours. There are so many ways in which you can enjoy the items on this board! You can simply build your own refreshing and flavour-packed salad or, you can pair your favourite items in different ways:

• Cheese Harmony: Begin by selecting a slice of Brie or Camembert, a square of Goat Cheese, or a Fresh Mozzarella ball. Pair it with a slice of Fresh Peach for a burst of juiciness and a smear of Fig Jam for sweetness. The contrast of creamy, tangy, and fruity notes will dance on your taste buds.
• Prosciutto Perfection: Take a slice of Prosciutto and wrap it around a piece of Brie or Camembert or even a whole Fresh Mozzarella ball. The salty, savoury Prosciutto beautifully complements the richness of the cheeses.
• Nutty Crunch: Enhance each bite with a Sliced Almond for a delightful crunch. You can either enjoy them on their own or combine them with the cheeses or Prosciutto.
• Greens and Glaze: Grab a handful of Mixed Greens and drizzle a touch of Balsamic Glaze over them. The fresh, crisp greens and the tangy glaze will cleanse your palate between cheese and fruit bites.
• Sweet Drizzles: For a touch of sweetness, use a bit of honey as a drizzle over the cheeses or even the Prosciutto-wrapped combinations. The honey’s golden sweetness will harmonize with the savoury and creamy elements.

Below you have a list of all the ingredients used. The quantities will depend on how big your charcuterie board or platter is. The board pictured in this post is 74 cm (29’’) x 28 cm (11’’).

Cheese

• Brie or Camembert: The velvety, earthy notes of these cheeses will melt your worries away.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy and luxurious, this cheese crumbles joyfully, offering a delightful contrast.
• Fresh Mozzarella (Bocconcini): These mozzarella balls bring a mild, milky flavour to the ensemble.

Meat, Cold Cuts, Fish & Eggs

• Prosciutto: Delicate, salty slices that wrap around the cheeses like a savoury embrace.

Fresh & Vibrant  

• Fresh Peaches: Juicy and luscious, they provide a burst of freshness.
• Mixed Greens: Crisp, vibrant leaves that cleanse your palate.

Dips & Spreads

• Fig Jam: The richness of figs in jam form, a match made in heaven for the cheeses.
• Honey: Drizzle this liquid gold for an irresistible touch of sweetness.
• Balsamic Glaze or Simple Vinaigrette (see recipes below): A tangy-sweet drizzle that adds depth to the cheese and fruits.

Finishing Touches 

• Sliced Almonds
• Salt and Pepper

I hope you found this Summer Medley food board inspiring! Brace yourselves for the upcoming boards that promise to be a captivating continuation of this culinary adventure. For those eager to explore and for those who relish in discovering new tastes, Bites on Boards is here to take you on a mouthwatering expedition.

Stay connected, stay curious, and most importantly, stay hungry for more. Your palate won’t want to miss what’s on the horizon. Until then, let the flavours linger and the anticipation build. Happy indulging! 🍽️🍷🎉

Additional Recipes

Homemade Balsamic Glaze Recipe

Ingredients:

• 240 ml (1 cup) balsamic vinegar
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) honey or brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the honey or brown sugar if using. The sweetness is optional and can be adjusted to your taste.
• Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Reduce: Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning. As the liquid reduces, it will start to thicken. This process can take about 15-20 minutes, depending on your desired consistency.
• Check Consistency: You can test the consistency by dipping a spoon into the glaze. It should coat the back of the spoon and have a syrupy texture. Keep in mind that the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Season: If desired, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour. Stir well to incorporate.
• Cool and Store: Once you achieve the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat and let the glaze cool. It will thicken further as it cools down.

Basic Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients:

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or vinegar of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Whisk Together: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard until well combined. The mustard acts as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar blend together.
• Slowly Add Oil: While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This gradual addition helps create a smooth and well-emulsified vinaigrette.
• Add Flavourings: If using minced garlic, add it to the mixture and whisk until incorporated. You can also add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter vinaigrette.
• Season: Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
• Taste and Adjust: Give the vinaigrette a taste and adjust the flavours as needed. If you like a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey or maple syrup. If it’s too acidic, you can adjust with a touch more oil.
• Mix and Store: Whisk the vinaigrette well to ensure all the ingredients are fully combined. Transfer the vinaigrette to a glass jar or bottle with a lid for storage.
• Shake Before Using: Before using the vinaigrette, give the jar a good shake to re-emulsify the ingredients that may have separated.