HOW TO BUILD A CHARCUTERIE BOARD FROM SCRATCH
You’ve moved into your new home with the high-tech kitchen and spacious dining and living area of your dreams. Now that you’ve unpacked and decorated, it’s time to start planning all the incredible dinners, parties, game nights, and more ahead of you. And what modern-day host or hostess has a get-together without a charcuterie board to complete it? That’s why we’ve outlined the easiest way to create your own from scratch!
The Cheeses
When you are shopping in the cheese section, it’s important to select a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Select three to six different types of cheeses, depending on the size of the board you’re creating, such as mild or medium cheddar, sheep or goat milk cheese, gruyere, gouda, brie, blue cheese, and more.
The Meats
Most standard grocery stores have a great selection of aged meats perfect for your board. Some fan favorites include prosciutto, sopressata, pancetta, and pepperoni. These are full of flavor and pair well with different types of cheeses.
The Sides
Here’s where your creative side can really come out! Consider picking up some fruit to garnish your board, like strawberries or grapes, and selecting a couple of jams and preserves to pair with your cheese, such as fig butter or apricot jam. Pickled vegetables, olives, and nuts, like macrona almonds and cashews, are also a popular addition. Finally, purchase a variety of crackers to complete your charcuterie board.
Happy entertaining!
DIY WAYS TO KILL FRUIT FLIES IN YOUR HOME
Most homeowners will experience a little fruit fly trouble throughout their lifetime. These pests are easily attracted to things like moist, fermenting fruits and vegetables, empty bottles, drains, mops, garbage disposals, and more. Although small in size, these flies can be irritating and unsightly. Check out the below natural, DIY ways to remove them from your home.
After a nice nightcap of wine or beer, leave a little bit of alcohol at the bottom of the bottle and set it out without a cap or cork. Flies are attracted to the sugar and scent and will become trapped due to the skinny neck of the bottle. Throw in a couple of drops of dish soap to help the process.
Grab a cup and pour a little apple cider vinegar in the bottom then cover the top with plastic wrap. Secure the cover with a rubber band and poke several holes in the plastic to allow for the flies to enter. Alternatively, you can opt for using a mason jar.
Just screw the lid on and punch small holes through the metal. Attracted to the scent of the apple cider vinegar, the fruit flies will enter the cup but will be unable to leave once inside.
Take a small bowl and fill the bottom with vinegar then add 3 to 4 drops of dish soap. The flies remain attracted to the vinegar and the soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar and makes the solution thicker, which sinks the flies to the bottom.
With a little bit of diligence and a combination of these solutions, you should have your kitchen back to yourself in no time!
TAKE 5: EASY-TO-GROW HERBS FOR YOUR HOME
Green thumb or not, every homeowner should try their hand at growing fresh herbs. Here are 5 easy-to-grow herbs you can pick up and start tending to today.
Mint. The perfect addition to a cool, refreshing summer drink, mint can be grown indoors in a wide pot of moderately rich soil. They recommend placing this herb in indirect light in an area with temperatures no more than 65 to 70 degrees during the day.
Basil. This plant thrives off plenty of sunlight and warmth, so plant its seeds in a pot and place in a south-facing window. Once ready, this herb is a great addition to any tomato sauce or Italian dish.
Oregano. Another Italian food staple, oregano is a great addition to your indoor garden. This herb requires direct sunlight and should be turned occasionally. Make sure to select a pot with a drainage hole and be careful as oregano plants are sensitive and can easily be killed by overwatering
Chives. Commonly used to top scrambled eggs, soups, baked potatoes, and more, chives are a great indoor herb. Choose a 4- to 6-inch pot with well-draining soil to plant your seeds. This herb requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight a day and should be turned periodically as it tends to grow towards the sun.
Cilantro. Have an affination for Mexican food? Then you’ll definitely want to add cilantro into the mix. Plant the seeds in an unglazed pot with a lot of drainage holes to allow for moisture and air to pass through and place in the sun for four to five hours per day.
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