(NC) Summer entertaining calls for effortless, crowd-pleasing spreads that look stunning with minimal effort. A charcuterie board is a reliable option because it requires little assembly and adapts well to different group sizes.
The appeal of a summer board lies in its simplicity. Rather than overloading it with ingredients, focus on a few elements that work well together and let them speak for themselves. Adding a couple of European products is an easy way to bring in real quality and flavour.

Prosciutto di Parma PDO and Grana Padano PDO cheese are a natural pairing, because together they create a balanced base, bringing contrast in texture without the need for elaborate additions. Seasonal fruit, olives and breadsticks round out the board with freshness, saltiness and crunch.

Here’s an example board:

Prosciutto di Parma and Grana Padano Charcuterie Board

Prep time: 20 minutes

Makes: 4 – 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 10 – 12 thin slices Prosciutto di Parma
• 5 – 7 (150 – 200 g) Grana Padano, cut into shards or chunks
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) cured olives or caper berries
• 2 cups (500 ml) fresh seasonal fruit
• 12 – 18 grissini (long, thin breadsticks)

Directions:

1. Assemble each ingredient onto a wooden board, slate or platter.
2. Add the olives or caper berries, fresh seasonal fruit and grissini around them.
3. Share with friends and family.

Shopping tip: If you’re looking for authentic European products, such as Prosciutto di Parma and Grana Padano cheese, look for the PDO label. PDO stands for “protected designation of origin,” meaning that it’s authentic and produced in the region of origin. Learn more about the PDO system and the products it covers at distinctlydeliciouslyeuropean.eu.