For Moms Home Alone

I’ve heard from many mothers that when their family isn’t around, they don’t want to make a big deal out of dinner. Like, ‘give me some cheese and fruit with a glass of wine and I’m good’. I’m in this boat quite a bit, because my husband works 100 miles away and I see him four days a week. And of course, my daughters are out of the house and back to school. So I am, and have always been, one of those wine and cheese women- I love trips to wineries! And as they say, you eat with your eyes- which is why charcuterie boards are so popular I think. 

The trick to a perfect charcuterie is to mix up the tastes, textures and colors. Make everything bite sized.

These are my main categories, and I am sure to have plenty of Weight Watchers options, which I’ve noted.

• Breads. Anything starchy and crunchy, although I’ve used pieces of fresh bread, as you can see in the board in the photo. You’re looking for some substance, since a lot of the board will be fresh and light.
  • Toasted French breads
  • Crostini
  • Breadsticks
  • Flat breads
  • Pita chips
  • Crackers (Triscuits, Wheat Thins)
  • Wasa crackers (WW)
  • Quaker Rice Crisps (WW)
  • Lays 40% Less Fat Kettle Cooked potato chips (3 points for 19 chips!)
• Meat. You’re going for salty here, that will balance nicely against fruit and cheese.
  • Ham slices
  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Pepperoni
  • Turkey pepperoni (WW) Yes they sell this- and I cannot taste the difference!
• Cheese. Any kind, cubed or cracker-sized. Mix up two varieties of sharp and mild.
  • Gouda
  • Monterey Jack
  • Swiss- also comes in low fat (2 points)
• Fruit (all  fresh fruit is WW friendly). A mix of fresh and dried is good, since dried fruit has a chewy texture and not much else will have that bite.
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Melons
  • Peaches
  • Raisins
  • Craisins
• Veggies. (WW yes)- A mix of raw and pickled is great. Pickled anything will have that sour flavor that will be missing otherwise. Think, what works well with cheese and is sturdy enough to handle dips.
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Bell peppers
  • Radishes
• Additions. For some extra substance and flavors, think about adding some of these yummy things, just know that none of these are WW friendly, except for dips you make with nonfat yogurt (this is great with onion soup mix).
  • Nuts- all kinds, have a variety
  • Dips 
  • Spreads (try home-made hummus or tomato bruschetta)
  • Honey
  • Jams

Use a proper charcuterie board and elegant utensils. My daughter bought me this one, and it comes with adorable dishes and spoons! You can see the honey dipper here too 🙂

Serve your beautiful charcuterie with a glass of wine or cocktail. Enjoy!