“Autumn seemed to arrive suddenly that year. The morning of the first September was crisp and golden as an apple.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

In the past years we’ve enjoyed an indian Summer well into the Autumn Equinox.  This year however, September arrived with a swift temperature dip; even today, a sunny Sunday, the breeze is cool enough to need an extra layer.   Sunny days are a blessing on the Pacific Northwest so we relish them until the first storm clouds move in and drench our rainforest home for weeks, sometimes months on end.

 Sure Summer is fun and busy.  I am a rain person however and find myself energized and inspired during the dark half of the year.  It was during one of these very gloomy rainy  afternoons last year that I was inspired to create an indoor Charcuterie/picnic for my boyfriend and myself since there was no way we wouldn’t get drenched and cold had we decided to venture out.

I set up a romantic nest of fluffy duvets, chenille blankets and pillows on the floor and set up the Charcuterie on the coffee table with lots of candles, wine and dessert.   This is what I bought. You can add or subtract based on your own taste.

For the Meat Board:  Cervelat Salami,  Liver Pate,  Procciutto  & garlic pickles.

For the Cheese Board: Smoked gouda, diced spicy Harvarti,  creamy herbed Goats Cheese and chopped Dates.

Side Dishes:  Olives, assorted nuts, sliced baguette, crackers, cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil, oregano and balsamic vinegar.

Dessert: Bordeaux with a chocolate cheese cake and strawberries.

I served a white wine to begin which complimented the cheese really nicely. Then we moved to the red for the meats and chocolate dessert.

The fact that there’s no cooking involved gives you more time to enjoy each other’s company. My boyfriend was quite impressed with the idea, the nest a cozy touch to an amazing meal and quality time as we lay back listening to the rain.

Love,

Jennifer