NEW SHIPMENT Has Arrived!!

Lolo French Antiques et More

  • HOME
  • SHOP ALL
    • SHOP LOUIS >
      • Louis XIII
      • Louis XIV
      • Louis XV
      • Louis XVI
    • CASE GOODS >
      • Armoires / Bonnetieres
      • Bibliotheques / Shelving
      • Buffets
      • Chests / Commodes
      • Coffers / Trunks
      • Hall Trees
    • CLOCKS >
      • Long Case Clocks
    • LIGHTING >
      • Chandeliers
      • Lamps
      • Sconces
    • SEATING >
      • Beds / Daybeds
      • Benches / Stools
      • Chairs / Chaises / Sofas
    • TABLES >
      • Coffee Tables
      • Consoles / Sofa Tables
      • Desks
      • Dining / Farm Tables
      • Game Tables
      • Side / Occasional Tables
      • Vanities
      • Work Tables / Islands
    • WALLS >
      • Art / Tapestries
      • Mirrors
    • ET MORE >
      • Decorative / Garden Accessories
      • Food / Kitchen
      • French Pottery >
        • Confit Pots
        • Conscience Jugs / Cruches / Gargoulettes
        • Pancheon / Tian Bowls
  • NEW SHIPMENT
    • 2020 >
      • February 2020 Container
    • 2019 >
      • October 2019 Container
      • June 2019 Container
      • February 2019 Container
    • 2018 >
      • October 2018 Container
      • June 2018 Container
      • February 2018 Container
    • 2017 >
      • October 2017 Container
      • June 2017 Container
      • April 2017 Container
    • 2016 >
      • November 2016 Container
      • June 2016 Container
      • March 2016 Container
    • 2015 >
      • December 2015 Container
      • September 2015 Container
      • June 2015 Container
      • March 2015 Container
    • 2014 >
      • December 2014 Container
      • August 2014 Container
      • March 2014 Container
    • 2013 >
      • December 2013 Container
      • September 2013 Container
  • EXPLORE
    • ALLEZ ALLEZ >
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2023 Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Holiday List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Fall List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Summer List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Fall List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Summer List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 New Year's List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2020 Holiday List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The New Year's List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The Holiday List
    • A TO Z GLOSSARY
    • BLUEPRINT >
      • Antique French Longcase Clock
      • Your Guide To Stylish French Seating
    • FÊTES & FOLLIES >
      • The Art Of Stocking The Bar
      • Lolo's Bar Cart Cocktail Recipes
      • Lolo's Guide To Holiday Tablescapes
      • Lolo's Twelve Days Of Cocktails
      • FaLaLoloLa Holiday Pop-Up
    • FRENCH TRADITIONS
    • LOLO LOVES
    • MEDIA MENTIONS
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • THREE FRENCH HOUNDS
    • TIMELINE >
      • French Furniture Periods
    • TRAVEL >
      • Lolo's Carefree Summer Getaway Through France
      • France Side Trips — Where To Go, Stay, Eat, & Explore In The South Of France
      • Lolo's Travel Tips From Our Carefree Summer Getaway
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • VISIT US
    • LET LOLO KNOW
    • TO THE TRADE
    • CUSTOMER SERVICE
    • FAQs
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SALE
  • BLOG
  • 🔎 SEARCH
  • HOME
  • SHOP ALL
    • SHOP LOUIS >
      • Louis XIII
      • Louis XIV
      • Louis XV
      • Louis XVI
    • CASE GOODS >
      • Armoires / Bonnetieres
      • Bibliotheques / Shelving
      • Buffets
      • Chests / Commodes
      • Coffers / Trunks
      • Hall Trees
    • CLOCKS >
      • Long Case Clocks
    • LIGHTING >
      • Chandeliers
      • Lamps
      • Sconces
    • SEATING >
      • Beds / Daybeds
      • Benches / Stools
      • Chairs / Chaises / Sofas
    • TABLES >
      • Coffee Tables
      • Consoles / Sofa Tables
      • Desks
      • Dining / Farm Tables
      • Game Tables
      • Side / Occasional Tables
      • Vanities
      • Work Tables / Islands
    • WALLS >
      • Art / Tapestries
      • Mirrors
    • ET MORE >
      • Decorative / Garden Accessories
      • Food / Kitchen
      • French Pottery >
        • Confit Pots
        • Conscience Jugs / Cruches / Gargoulettes
        • Pancheon / Tian Bowls
  • NEW SHIPMENT
    • 2020 >
      • February 2020 Container
    • 2019 >
      • October 2019 Container
      • June 2019 Container
      • February 2019 Container
    • 2018 >
      • October 2018 Container
      • June 2018 Container
      • February 2018 Container
    • 2017 >
      • October 2017 Container
      • June 2017 Container
      • April 2017 Container
    • 2016 >
      • November 2016 Container
      • June 2016 Container
      • March 2016 Container
    • 2015 >
      • December 2015 Container
      • September 2015 Container
      • June 2015 Container
      • March 2015 Container
    • 2014 >
      • December 2014 Container
      • August 2014 Container
      • March 2014 Container
    • 2013 >
      • December 2013 Container
      • September 2013 Container
  • EXPLORE
    • ALLEZ ALLEZ >
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2023 Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Holiday List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Fall List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2022 Summer List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Fall List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Summer List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2021 New Year's List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The 2020 Holiday List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The Spring List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The New Year's List
      • DELIGHTFUL DO'S The Holiday List
    • A TO Z GLOSSARY
    • BLUEPRINT >
      • Antique French Longcase Clock
      • Your Guide To Stylish French Seating
    • FÊTES & FOLLIES >
      • The Art Of Stocking The Bar
      • Lolo's Bar Cart Cocktail Recipes
      • Lolo's Guide To Holiday Tablescapes
      • Lolo's Twelve Days Of Cocktails
      • FaLaLoloLa Holiday Pop-Up
    • FRENCH TRADITIONS
    • LOLO LOVES
    • MEDIA MENTIONS
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • THREE FRENCH HOUNDS
    • TIMELINE >
      • French Furniture Periods
    • TRAVEL >
      • Lolo's Carefree Summer Getaway Through France
      • France Side Trips — Where To Go, Stay, Eat, & Explore In The South Of France
      • Lolo's Travel Tips From Our Carefree Summer Getaway
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • VISIT US
    • LET LOLO KNOW
    • TO THE TRADE
    • CUSTOMER SERVICE
    • FAQs
    • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SALE
  • BLOG
  • 🔎 SEARCH
Picture

CHARCUTERIE: WEDNESDAY'S WORD OF THE WEEK

6/16/2021

2 Comments

 
Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.
Picture
CHARCUTERIE
char·​cu·​te·​rie [ shahr-koo-tuh-ree, shahr-koo-tuh-ree; French shar-kytuh-ree ]
noun, plural char·ct·te·ries [shahr-koo-tuh-reez, shahr-koo-tuh-reez; French shar-kytuh-ree] 
1.   
cooked, processed, or cured cold meats and meat products, originally and typically pork products, as sausages, pâtés, hams, etc.
2.   a store where these products are sold.

Origin: 1855–60; <French; Middle French chaircuterie, equivalent to chaircut(ier) charcutier + -erie-ery 
Picture
Food is at the heart of French culture. And at the center of the heart these days is charcuterie — charcuterie boards in particular. A culinary art developed from necessity, the modern form definition of charcuterie involves dressing a board, usually wood, with cured meats, cheeses, and accoutrements. Derived from the French words cuit meaning cooked and chair meaning flesh, the term charcuterie was coined in 15th century France when pigs were raised by virtually every household. Before its modern definition, charcuterie was used to describe pork products (including the pig’s internal organs) sold in charcuterie shops that were salted, smoked, and dried, much like the methods used to preserve meat in Ancient Rome thousands of years before.
Picture
Charcuterie Sibilia, Les Halles de Lyon
During the 15th century, France had very strict laws that didn't allow the mixing of raw and cooked products. The first Charcutiers Guild was formed in France at that time, preventing charcuterie shops from selling uncooked pork — so the charcutiers cooked, dried, salted, smoked, and cured everything from rillettes to pâtés, saucisson, bacon, trotters (pig’s feet), and head cheese. They would then hang or display the cured meats in their shop windows to attract customers. Villagers frequented their local charcuterie shops to purchase the cured meats that would supplement their supply of fresh food throughout the year. The ingenious ways charcutiers preserved meat helped to ensure the meats would have longer shelf lives, and their popularity grew as they established stylized plates of "cooked flesh" as a part of the cuisine française culture. Cheeses, breads, fruits and veggies, nuts, olives, pickles, and jams were added over time, shaping the charcuterie board as we know it today. 
Picture
Charcuterie boards have become an essential at casual (and even formal) parties or apéro dinatoires, not only in France but all over, especially since there’s no cooking involved! From ingredients to serving techniques, a bit of effort is required to attain the effortless je ne sais quoi that only an authentically French charcuterie board has. Think of the meats and cheeses as the main dishes and the accoutrements as the accents — and follow these 5  tips to master a charcuterie board any French person would j’adore.
  1. When building your charcuterie board, wood boards are a must. The French consider marble boards to be too lavish and too trendy. Wood boards are easier to use, easier to wash, and you don’t have to worry about scratching them with a knife. We always use antique breadboards or cutting boards.
  2. If you want to make your board truly French, be sure to include saucisson, a dry, thick, cured French sausage. Other French meats include pâté, a meat in the form of a paste — some are smooth and spreadable, some are firm and sliceable, jambon, a cured ham, and rillets, chunky meat spreads also known as potted meat… and no, not the Hormel brand! Laurent always adds prosciutto, coppa, and salami, and says it’s okay to include other meats even if they aren’t from France. The meats do need to be presliced before serving and the thinner the better — except for saucisson, which should be sliced about one sixteenth of an inch.
  3. Authentic French cheeses include tangy, tart Chèvres, rich, buttery Bries, sharp, pungent blues, and fruity, spicy Comtés. You don’t have to stick to just French cheeses either. It’s perfectly fine to add a Parmesan or manchego if that’s what you like, and Laurent does… so we add those also. Just be sure to use four different kinds and let them come to room temp before serving.
  4. Use as many seasonal (and local) products on your board as you can. For summer this year, we’ll fill in with tomatoes, melons, figs, and cucumbers. For fall, we'll add eggplants, artichokes, radishes, and pumpkins. We add pickled and preserved items like cornichons and olives to balance out the creaminess of the cheese. Nuts (and popcorns, though not considered French) are great fillers and are crunchy as well as salty.  And we always add sweets. Honey, jams, dried fruits, and macarons provide a sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the meats. And who doesn’t love an excuse to serve macarons? 
  5. Bread is essential! A presliced, crusty French baguette is always best, but other presliced breads like sourdough or homemade banana bread are good choices. Laurent doesn’t like crackers, but I do. So we use artisan crackers even though they’re not considered French.​​​
And don't forget the wine! A charcuterie board is not complete without the wine pairings. You'll want to serve wines that compliment the flavors of the meats and cheeses without overpowering them. An oaky Chardonnay balances the spice of sopressata. Add a creamy French Brie and voila! You'll have a winning trifecta. Pinot Noir is a perfect choice for saucisson. Light wines like a dry Reisling or Muscato partner well with light hams like prosciutto, and if seafood is on your board, a Merlot or Pinot Grigio will blend perfectly with the salty flavors of smoked salmon, shrimp, and lobster.
Picture
1.  Large 18th Century Rustic Country French Cutting Board or Chopping Block with Well / Item #LO3193A / Lolo French Antiques et More
2.  Early 20th Century French Country Guillotine Style Bread Cutter with Board / Item #LO3192 / Lolo French Antiques et More
​
3. Country French Style Breadboards  / Item #LFA223 / Lolo French Antiques et More
Father's Day is coming up this weekend, so why not surprise Dad with a beautiful charcuterie board filled with all his favorites​? Instead of serving him breakfast in bed, indulge him with a breakfast charcuterie board filled with bacon, sausage, ham, baguettes, cheese, waffles and pancakes. Add in fruits, jams, butter, and granola as accoutrements. It might not be "authentically" French, but the process of building the board will be fun and easy — and the time spent with dear old Dad will be truly special! 
Bon Appétit!
Picture
2 Comments
Beverly J Stewart
6/19/2021 10:24:38 am

Very nicely done and so informative. Thank you

Reply
Mimi Montgomery link
6/22/2021 06:12:35 am

Thank you so much, Beverly! So happy you enjoyed the blog.
Best,
Mimi

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Mimi Montgomery

    When this self-described Francophile is not reading or writing about all things French, she's dreaming up charming new ways to showcase Lolo French Antiques et More or traveling to France with Lolo to buy delightful treasures for their store. Mimi, Lolo, and their new French Bulldog, Duke, live in Birmingham, AL. 

    Picture

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    December 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019

    Categories

    All
    Acanthus Leaf
    All Things French
    Anduze Pots
    Architecture
    Armoire
    Armoire De Mariage
    Art
    Art Deco
    Baguette
    Baguette Basket
    Bastille Day
    Bastille Day Parade
    Benches
    Biot Pot
    Bistro Table
    Blanc
    Bonne Année
    Bonnetiere
    Bonnets
    Books
    Bouillotte
    Bouillotte Table
    Boulangerie
    Breadboards
    Bûche De Noël
    Buffet
    Cabriole
    Candies
    Candles
    Catherine De Medici
    Champagne Bucket
    Champagne Cocktail
    Champagne Coupe
    Chandelier
    Charcuterie
    Charcuterie Board
    Cherubs
    Christmas
    Cloche
    Cocktail Recipe
    Confit De Canard
    Confit Pot
    Contravents
    Corinthian Columns
    Cruche
    Demijohn
    Desk
    Directoire
    Draper's Table
    Earthenware
    Easter
    Egalité
    Egg Pot
    Enfilade
    Epiphany
    Father's Day
    Fête Des Rois
    Fève
    Fire Tools
    Food
    Fraternité
    French Gardens
    French Lifestyle
    French Linens
    French Onion Soup
    French Pottery
    French Shutters
    French Traditions
    French Wedding Traditions
    Furniture Legs
    Furniture Motif
    Galette Des Rois
    Gift Guide
    Good Luck
    Gui
    Hall Tree
    Herbarium
    Holiday
    Holiday Traditions
    Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis
    Jams
    Jarres De Biot
    Joyeuses Paques
    Kings Cake
    Kiss
    La Fête Nationale
    Lamps
    Le 14 Juillet
    Le Drapeau Bleu
    Le Quatorze Juillet
    Liberté
    Longcase Clocks
    Louis Philippe
    Louis XIII
    Louis XIV
    Louis XV
    Louis XVI
    Louis XVI Chairs
    Lounge Chair
    Madame De Pompadour
    Maison Jansen
    Marie Antoinette
    Mirrors
    Mistletoe
    Moulin Rouge
    Movies
    New Year's
    Painting
    Paris
    Persiennes
    Porte-Jambon
    Postcard To Santa
    Provence
    Rafraichissoir
    Recipe
    Rouge
    Round Top
    Santons
    Seating
    Shoes By The Fire
    Soap
    Tapestry
    Teas
    Tea Serving Table
    Tea Towel
    Terra Cotta
    Thanksgiving
    Tian
    Tian Bowl
    Trestle Table
    Trousseau
    Valentine's Day
    Vanity
    Versailles
    Vive La France
    Volets
    Wedding Armoire
    Wine
    Wine And Cheese
    Word Of The Week

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    SHOP ALL

    Picture
    SHOP FRENCH GARDEN POTS
Picture

CONTACT US

Picture
4300 1st Avenue South
​Birmingham, AL 35222

Picture
205-323-6033 Shop
404-831-6603 Cell

Picture
Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
​Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Picture
info@lolofrenchantiques.com

CUSTOMER CARE

Picture
Customer Service

Picture
FAQs

Picture
Privacy Policy

Picture
To The Trade

CONNECT WITH US

Picture
Get the SCOOP
on new shipments, 
events, & more 
   

Picture
© 2023 Lolo French Antiques et More
Designed by Socially Inclined
Illustrations by Nan Richards
Site Map
Picture