Charcuterie River Board

One crisp autumn evening, a small town hosted a cozy gathering to celebrate the harvest season. The highlight of the evening was a charcuterie board, crafted by an imaginative chef known for her unique flair. This year, she decided to add a touch of artistry to her creation—she would make the charcuterie board look like a river, but with an unexpected twist: the river would be made of shimmering blue epoxy.

The board itself was large and rectangular, its wooden surface polished to perfection. As guests arrived, they marveled at the intricate design. The blue epoxy flowed like a river down the center, glistening as it caught the light, its vibrant color resembling a deep, clear stream. The chef had carefully molded the epoxy to mimic the winding paths of a river, its curves and bends tracing an elegant path through the board.

Surrounding the river were the finest meats—delicate slices of prosciutto, tender salami, and spicy chorizo—arranged in careful patterns, like cliffs and valleys along the river's edge. On either side of the river, small clusters of creamy brie and sharp cheddar resembled rocks and boulders, while a scattering of grapes and figs added splashes of purple and green, mimicking wild flora growing along the riverbanks.

Crackers and breadsticks were placed along the sides, like bridges crossing over the stream, while little bowls of honey and mustard sat at the "pools" in the river, inviting guests to dip and savor. The blue epoxy shimmered with a touch of magic, transforming the charcuterie board into a work of art that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate.

(Made by Susan Reichenbach for In The Kitchen Contest)