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Spring Board

(recipe, Carrie Floyd)

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Introduction

I have a hard time resisting charcuterie and cheese plates when I go out for dinner or meet a friend for a glass of wine. I love to nibble on lots of little things — salty, sweet, sour, and sometimes surprising. Here in Portland, especially, this menu allows the kitchen to showcase locally cured meats, cheeses, and produce. A recent repast at Noble Rot included a meat board with duck salami, strawberries and balsamic vinegar, pork rillettes, and spring greens. It inspired me to come up with my own collection. This spring board (get it?) collects a variety of luscious seasonal ingredients and errs on the lighter side; feel free to play around, making substitutions according to your own whims.

Ingredients

Lemon-Herb Spread

1. ½ cup Greek yogurt or yogurt cheese, or 6 ounces fromage blanc
2. 1 Tbsp. freshly grated lemon zest
3. 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh herbs: dill, chives, parsley, and/or basil
4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the board

1. 6 to 8 oz. smoked salmon, Simple Gravlax, or Salmon Rillettes
2. A small wheel of goat Brie or another creamy mild cheese
3. Pickled asparagus, purchased or homemade
4. ½ cup rhubarb chutney
5. Sliced artisanal spelt or rye bread, or sturdy whole-grain crackers

Steps

1. Make the lemon-herb spread: In a small bowl, mix together all the spread ingredients, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl.
2. Assemble the board: Arrange the smoked salmon, cheese, pickled asparagus, rhubarb chutney, sliced bread, and bowl of spread on a board or tray.
3. Serve the board: Slather the bread with the spread and top with the smoked salmon. Spread the cheese on the bread and add a dollop of chutney. Eat the pickled asparagus by itself or paired with the salmon.