Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

The holiday of love is just around the corner, and you need to try out this Valentine’s day charcuterie board! It’s packed with meat, cheeses and all sorts of festive red and pink fruits and candy to start the holiday off right.

A charcuterie board has something for everyone! If you want to try some more delicious Valentine’s treats, then go ahead and make these cookies, cheesecake, or these delicious brownies.

Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board

A classic charcuterie board (pronounced shar-koo-tuh-ree) board is made of meats and cheeses. You can serve this as an appetizer, as a snack, or even fill it with a few more hearty slices of meat and make it a fun meal! But because these platters are becoming so popular, I’ve decided to add in a few fruits and candies to not only add in some color and texture but to make it festive for the holiday!

My kids love it when I make a charcuterie board! They think it’s so fun to help me decide what to put on and then tell me where to put it. This Valentine’s charcuterie was filled with so many delicious spreads and fruits. It made it hard not to eat it all up before I made it! The best part about these is that you can easily switch things out to your favorite foods and make them your own! I make them for all of the holidays because they are such a hit with friends and family!

The Recipe Critic Recommendation

Perfect Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board

Heart Shaped Cutting Board Full Size 12" x 13" Charcuterie Board

This wooden board is perfect for adding fruits, candy, cheese, and chocolate for your favorite Valentine’s board.

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Start with the Cheese and Meats

Cheese is part of all classic charcuterie boards, so you can’t skip this step! It not only lends itself to a savory taste, but the texture of cheeses is just so different than anything else on the board. Plus, this is where you can get really creative with the flavors that you choose and then introduce your guests to new flavors. Here is a list of the cheese that I used for this Valentine’s charcuterie board:

Cheese

• Garlic and Herb Boursin
• Wensleydale with cranberries
• Sharp cheddar
• Plain Goat Cheese with Pink Food Coloring

Meat

• Italian Dry Salami

Spread

• Grape Jelly

I didn’t use a ton of meat and cheese on this board because I knew that I would be mixing in many other things like fruit and candy. If you are doing a board with only meats and cheeses, then you will need more. Some other ones that you can try are Dutch Spicy Kaas Red, green and white square cheese, Creamy Toscano Cheese, Beemster Cheese, Peppered Salame, and Proscuitto.

What Fruits Do I Use for a Valentine’s Charcuterie Board?

The fruit may be my favorite part of this charcuterie board! This is where I can get a huge variety in color, texture, and taste so that I can bring in a little something for everyone! When I am making a charcuterie board for a holiday, like this Valentine’s Day one, then I especially like to bring in all the fruits in those holiday colors. Everything that I used on this board is pinks, reds, and purples.

• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Strawberries cut into half
• Raspberries
• Grapes

Think about whatever occasion you are making this board for and then cater your ideas to that occasion! Fruits that I have used on other boards are apples, bananas, blackberries, green grapes, pineapple, and oranges. Add whatever you want into these and then arrange them in different places on the board so that they are spread out.

It’s Time for the Candy!

This is my kids’ favorite part of any holiday charcuterie board that I make… The treats! The candy on this board brings in so much color and then just takes the fun level up a notch. You can go crazy and use whatever kind that you love! Because you are making this during a holiday time then it will be super easy to find themed candy in your seasonal aisle at your grocery store.

• Lindor Chocolate Truffles
• Conversation Hearts 
• Cinnamon Hearts
• Chocolate Hearts wrapped

Let’s Make a Valentine’s Charcuterie Board!

Putting this together is so much fun, and I love that they are different every single time. Get creative and change things up if you want. Make this your own!

1. Start with the cheese: Over the heart shape charcuterie board, start assembling your board by adding the cheeses.
2. Arrange salami: Next, add the salami. I used a small cup and arranged the salami like a flower.
3. Add fruit: Then, you will want to add in your fruits and fruit jam. 
4. Put on the treats: Fill in the board with candies and chocolates.
5. Garnish: Add roses for an extra touch and then you can serve this up to all of your guests!

Charcuterie Board Tips

Charcuterie boards change every time you make them which is why this Valentine’s Day board is so fun! I love making these for holidays because they are so festive. Here are a few ideas on how to make this board your own!

• Use different shapes: Using cookie cutters to make different shapes on the board really takes it up a notch! Cut out some cheese using cookie cutters. On this one, I cut some spread in the shape of a heart on the cheese.
• Add in decorations: I added in some roses for Valentine’s Day but you can also add in other things like a lace doily or any other heart themed decorations that you have on hand.
• Switch up the treats: For a charcuterie board that your kids will love, add in some cookies or crackers. Around the holiday you can even find some that are heart shaped or colored!

Tried and True Valentines's Desserts

The holiday of love is just around the corner so you need to start planning out your food! After all, the food is a big part of the holiday! Here are a few ideas on things that you can make to make things fancy and show your loved ones how much you care for them! Enjoy!

Desserts

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Desserts

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Desserts

Cherry Pie Bars

Desserts

Absolutely Perfect No Bake Cheesecake

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Valentine’s Charcuterie Board

The holiday of love is just around the corner, and you need to try out this Valentine's day charcuterie board! It's packed with meat, cheeses and all sorts of festive red and pink fruits and candy to start the holiday off right.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword charcuterie board, valentines charcuterie board

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 8 people

Calories 173kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 package Italian Dry Salami made into flowers
• 1/2 cup Grape Jam

Fruit

• 1 bag Cherries
• 1 package Blueberries
• 1 package Strawberries cut into half
• 1 package Raspberries
• 1 bag Red Grapes

Cheese

• 1 package Garlic and Herb Boursin
• 1 wedge Wensleydale with cranberries
• 1 brick Sharp cheddar
• 8 ounce Plain Goat Cheese with Pink Food Coloring

Candy

• i package Lindor Chocolate Truffles
• 1 bag Conversation Hearts
• 1 bag Cinnamon Hearts, found at Trader Joe's
• 1 package Chocolate Hearts wrapped

Instructions

• Over the heart shape charcuterie board, start assembling your board by adding the cheeses.
• Next, add the salami. I used a small cup and arranged the salami like a flower.
• Add in your fruits and fruit jam.
• Fill in the board with candies and chocolates.
• Add roses for an extra touch!

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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Homemade Corn Tortillas

Homemade corn tortillas only have three ingredients and are a cinch to make! These guys are crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and full of corn flavor.

Corn tortillas can be used in so many recipes! Pair them these with these street tacos, shrimp tacos, or these delicious breakfast enchiladas and you will elevate any recipe.

Corn Tortillas Recipe

Do you know the best thing about eating at a great Mexican restaurant (besides the queso)? Homemade corn tortillas! Seriously, there is nothing like a freshly made corn tortilla that’s charred and crisp but soft and pliable at the same time. I love to serve them with tacos, but they’re also great with enchiladas or served alongside a hearty taco soup as well.

One might think homemade tortillas are difficult to make, but I’m happy to report they are super easy to whip up. They take less than 30 minutes to make and you will be one step closer to the most delicious part of your homemade dish. So throw away all of your tortillas from the store. After these, you will never want to buy store-bought tortillas again!

Ingredients in Homemade Tortillas

There are only 3 ingredients that you need to make these tortillas. Once you get your hands on the special corn flour (masa harina) then it’s smooth sailing! See the recipe card below for a list of exact measurements.

• Masa Harina: The key to authentic corn tortillas is masa harina. Masa harina at its simplest explanation is corn flour. The corn granules are dried, and then soaked in lime water which helps to soften the kernels and give them additional starch. While we’re using masa harina today to make corn tortillas, you can also make tamales, arepas, or empanadas as well. I used white corn masa, but yellow corn masa works as well. They both taste the same, so really, it’s whatever color your prefer.
• Salt: Like any flour, masa harina has no seasoning, so you’ll have to add a little bit of kosher salt. I find a ¼ teaspoon is enough.
• Water: You want to make sure your water is very warm, and almost hot. This will help to combine the ingredients a little bit easier.

How to Make Easy Corn Tortillas

Trust me when I tell you that you MUST make these tortillas. They will take any dish to the next level and have all of your guests coming back for more!

1. Mix the dough: Add the masa harina to a large bowl. Add salt. Whisk to combine. Slowly add the water while stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Once the water is almost all the way mixed in, start to use your hands to form the dough.
2. Gently knead the dough until you can form it into a ball.
3. Let it rest: Place the dough ball back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. Form into balls: Use your hands to form the dough into scant ¼ cup balls. Make sure the balls don’t have any cracks.
5. Form into tortillas: The easiest way to make corn tortillas is to use a tortillas press. We love this basic one. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the bottom of the tortilla wrap. Put the ball of dough on the press. Put another piece of plastic on top of the dough. Press down. That’s it! Your tortilla is done.
6. Cook! When all the tortillas are made, heat a large griddle to a medium heat. Add the tortillas. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and do the same.

Do I Need a Tortilla Press?

No! It just makes the process MUCH easier. You can also put the dough balls between two pieces of plastic wrap and roll them out with a heavy rolling pin. Both methods work great!

Variations

• Water: Make sure to use hot water. This will help the dough to come together quicker.
• Frying Tortillas: If you want them to be more like a tostada, fry the tortillas in oil.
• Plastic Wrap: Don’t forget to use plastic! If you don’t use plastic wrap in the tortilla press, the dough will stick.
• Seasoning: After you whisk the flour and salt together, give it a taste. Season to taste with a little more salt if needed.

Can I Make Corn Tortillas in Advance?

Yes, these corn tortillas will keep at room temperature for up to three days. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container.

What to Serve with Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are so versatile and can be used in so many different recipes. Plus, they make any recipe taste so much better! I have come up with a few dishes that you can use these in. You will never go back to store bought tortillas again!

Dinner

Best EVER Ground Beef Tacos

Breakfast

Breakfast Tacos

Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken Tacos

Dinner

Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos

Print

Homemade Corn Tortillas

Homemade corn tortillas only have three ingredients and are a cinch to make! These guys are crispy on the edges, soft on the inside, and full of corn flavor.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword corn tortillas, homemade tortillas

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Rest Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 9 tortillas

Calories 92kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Cost $7

Equipment

• Tortilla press
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (plus more if needed)

Instructions

• Add the masa harina to a large bowl. Add salt. Whisk to combine. Slowly add the water while stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Once the water is almost all the way mixed in, start to use your hands to form the dough. Gently knead the dough until you can form it into a ball. Place the dough ball back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough sit for 5-10 minutes.
• Use your hands to form the dough into scant ¼ cup balls. Make sure the balls don't have any cracks.
• The easiest way to make corn tortillas is to use a tortillas press. Place a piece of plastic wrap on the bottom of the tortilla wrap. Put the ball of dough on the press. Put another piece of plastic on top of the dough. Press down. Repeat with remaining balls.
• When all the tortillas are made, heat a large griddle to a medium heat. Add the tortillas. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Notes

Updated on January 21, 2022

Originally Posted on November 18, 2020

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 67mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg

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The BEST Whole Wheat Bread

One slice of this amazing whole wheat bread and you’ll be addicted! It’s warm, soft, and tender, sweetened to perfection with honey!

Once you start making bread at home, you won’t want it any other way. Not only do you end up with absolutely delicious bread, but it’s also a fun process and makes your kitchen smell like a dream! You’ll have to try homemade sourdough, rye, and Amish friendship bread next!

Amazing Honey Wheat Bread Recipe

Making homemade bread is one of my favorite ways to spend my day. Something about the whole process is fun and therapeutic! Starting from a simple yeast mixture and ending up with a delicious loaf of bread is extremely satisfying. Wheat bread, specifically, is one of my favorites. It’s so hearty and flavorful with the perfect hint of sweetness. Use your tasty wheat bread for sandwiches, with butter and jam, or have it on its own! It’s that good! Once this bad boy comes out of the oven, I can’t resist having a few slices while it’s warm.

I love making bread at home because I know everything that goes into it. No preservatives, just simple ingredients! Wheat bread is great, too, because it’s loaded with fiber and helps to keep you feeling full longer! Anything that tastes this good but is healthy too is a must-make. This recipe is a keeper! You’re going to love having it in your baking arsenal. Have a newfound love of bread-making? Try making your own sourdough starter next!

Whole Wheat Bread Ingredients

The best recipes use simple ingredients! I love how short and sweet the list is. It makes it perfect for throwing together when you get a craving for fresh bread! If you’re looking for exact measurements, they can all be found in the recipe card below.

• Water: Used to activate yeast and add moisture to wheat bread mixture.
• Milk: Milk enriches your bread and gives it that soft, tender quality.
• Honey: For the perfect sweetness! You can swap this out for molasses or maple syrup, as well.
• Active Dry Yeast: This needs to be activated in a water milk mixture before use.
• Unsalted Butter: The fat content in butter helps to make your bread nice and soft.
• Salt: A must for flavor! Skip the salt, and you’ll be left with bread that tastes like cardboard.
• Whole Wheat Flour: The MVP of this recipe! Whole wheat flour is loaded with vitamins and fiber. It tastes great, too!

Let’s Make Some Bread!

Don’t let making bread from scratch intimidate you! Follow each of these steps, and you’ll have a yummy loaf baking away. Be warned- it gets addictive! Try 1-hour rolls or English muffins next!

Preparing Yeast and Dough

1. Activate Yeast: First, warm the water and milk to 105°-115°F and pour into the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in the honey and yeast. Then, set aside for 5-10 minutes until the mixture has become frothy.
2. Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Add the salt, melted butter and flour to the bowl. Mix together using the paddle attachment. Once fully combined, clean off the paddle and switch to the dough hook. Knead on low speed for about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is very sticky, add more flour 1-2 tablespoons at a time until it is only slightly sticky. It can be beneficial to also pause the mixer so you can fully scrape down the bowl to ensure all of the dough is being well kneaded.

Proofing and Baking

1. Transfer to Oiled Bowl: Once the dough is smooth and soft, remove gently to a large oiled bowl. Try to keep the dough in a ball as you transfer it. Turn the dough once in the bowl to coat it all with oil and then cover with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place. Let it rise for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
2. Work Dough: Once it has doubled in size, spray a 9×5 bread pan with cooking spray and set aside. Gently punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and work the dough into a ball and then gently shape that ball into a loaf that is just about 9 inches long. Place it in the prepared bread pan.
3. Proof: Cover with a kitchen towel and again set the pan in a warm place. Let is rise for 30-45 minutes, until it’s just about doubled in size. When it is almost doubled, preheat the oven to 350°F.
4. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 190°.
5. Cool: Lastly, let your whole wheat bread cool for at least 15-20 minutes before removing from the pan. Allow it to cool completely before slicing in order to avoid your bread turning gummy.

Tips for Making the Best Bread

It can be tricky to make that perfect loaf of wheat bread. Here are a few of my favorite tips to get it on your first go!

• Create a Proofing Drawer: If you’re having trouble getting the dough to rise, or if you want it to rise faster, preheat the oven to 170°. Right before putting the covered dough in the oven to rise, turn it off and use a clean spray bottle to spray the bottom and sides of the oven well with water. This will create a warm, moist environment to help the dough rise. This also helps if your kitchen tends to be on the cooler side or you live in a very dry climate.
• Using Buttermilk: If you want your bread to have a tangier flavor, you can swap out milk for buttermilk. The acid in buttermilk also gives your bread a more tender crumb. If you don’t have any on hand, it’s super easy to make at home. Find my buttermilk recipe here!
• Don’t Overmix: Only mix and work your dough as needed. If you knead your dough too much, gluten may develop- leaving your loaf hard and rubbery. Don’t let your hard work go to waste!
• Adding Texture: I love adding nuts to my wheat bread. It gives it a boost of flavor and texture! Pistachios, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, you name it! Fold them gently into your dough for a pop of nutty goodness.
• Use For: Wheat bread works great for avocado toast, dipping in soup, and sandwiches! You’re going to love how homemade bread upgrades all of your favorite recipes.

Storing Your Honey Whole Wheat Bread

Now that you’ve made a lovely loaf of bread, here’s how to store and keep it fresh! Homemade bread never lasts long at my house. It’s too good!

• At Room Temperature: Wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container or bread bag, your wheat bread will keep for up to 5 days.
• In the Freezer: Your wheat bread will keep in freezer bags for 3-6 months. You can freeze individual slices and even toast them straight out of the freezer for convenience! For entire loaves, thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Uses for Dry Bread

Maybe your wheat bread sat out a little too long, and now it’s dry or stale. Don’t throw it out! Bread at this state is actually quite useful! You can use it to make some whole wheat croutons, bread crumbs, french toast, and bread pudding!

More Homemade Bread Recipes

Bread made from scratch is the best way to have it! Here are a few more easy homemade bread recipes to have under your belt. Not only does homemade bread taste a million times better, but it’s healthier and you know exactly what’s going into it. Let’s bake!

Bread

Grandma’s Perfect Homemade Bread

Bread

Miracle No Knead Bread

Side Dishes

Perfect Soft and Buttery Rolls

Bread

Bagels

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Whole Wheat Bread

One slice of this amazing wheat bread and you'll be addicted! It's warm, soft, and tender, sweetened to perfection with honey!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword wheat bread, whole wheat bread

Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Servings 12 slices

Calories 179kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast 1 packet
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ cups whole wheat flour more as needed

Instructions

• Warm the water and milk to 105°-115° and pour into the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir in the honey and yeast. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until the mixture has become frothy.
• Add the salt, melted butter, and flour to the bowl. Mix together using the paddle attachment. Once fully combined, clean off the paddle and switch to the dough hook. Knead on low speed for about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is very sticky, add more flour 1-2 tablespoons at a time until it is only slightly sticky. It can be beneficial to also pause the mixer so you can fully scrape down the bowl to ensure all of the dough is being well kneaded.
• Once the dough is smooth and soft, remove gently to a large oiled bowl. Try to keep the dough in a ball as you transfer it. Turn the dough once in the bowl to coat it all with oil and then cover with a kitchen towel and set in a warm place. Let it rise for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
• Once it has doubled in size spray a 9×5 bread pan with cooking spray and set aside. Gently punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and work the dough into a ball and then gently shape that ball into a loaf that is just about 9 inches long. Place it in the prepared bread pan.
• Cover with a kitchen towel and again set the pan in a warm place. Let it rise for 30-45 minutes until it is just about doubled in size. When it is almost doubled, preheat the oven to 350°.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 190°.
• Let the bread cool for at least 15-20 minutes before removing it from the pan. Allow it to cool completely before slicing in order to avoid your bread turning gummy.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 107IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

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