We eat with our eyes first.
We eat with our eyes first.
In French-speaking Switzerland, apéro is almost sacred. At Clementina, we like to take it a step further. A board is not just a selection of products. It sets a mood. It invites people to linger. It’s a way to highlight the Vaud terroir with care.
Loved our Instagram Reel? Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreating this board at home.
The ingredients: quality at the heart
To make a successful platter, start with the essentials: good products. We chose:
The Ingredients: Quality Comes First
A beautiful board always starts with great products. Here’s what we chose:
- Cheeses: A Tomme Vaudoise as the centerpiece, along with L’Étivaz AOP and Gruyère AOP
- Charcuterie: Thinly sliced Grisons cured ham, delicate and refined
- Fruity touches: Juicy nectarines, fresh raspberries, a few redcurrants
- Crunch and sweetness: Crushed walnuts and a drizzle of wildflower honey, ideally local
Step by Step: Creating Harmony
- The focal point: Place the Tomme Vaudoise at the center of the board. It anchors the composition visually.
- Structure (L’Étivaz): Cut the Étivaz into thin triangles and arrange them in arcs on each side. This creates a natural, almost floral movement.
- Texture play (Gruyère): Cut the Gruyère into even cubes and group them into two small structured sections. Repetition brings elegance without stiffness.
- Color (nectarines): Arrange the nectarine slices along the outer edge. Their warm tones add freshness and light.
- Charcuterie “roses”: Gently fold the slices of cured ham into soft rosettes. Tuck them between the cheeses to add volume.
- Finishing touches: Fill the gaps with raspberries and redcurrants. Lightly score the tomme, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
These are the details that make all the difference.
The Clementina Tip: Why It Works
It all comes down to balance.
The saltiness of the cured ham meets the sweetness of the honey. The acidity of the raspberries lifts the character of the Étivaz. The crunch of the walnuts contrasts with the creamy texture of the cheese.
This harmony is what makes the board feel alive, not just beautiful.
And most importantly, don’t aim for perfection. Aim for movement, generosity, and spontaneity.
Go Further
Want to deepen your understanding of composition? Discover our complete guide to building a cheese and charcuterie board, where we share ideal quantities, pairings, and essentials from the Swiss terroir.
Not sure how much to prepare? Take a look at our guide on how much charcuterie to serve per person, with clear benchmarks depending on the type of apéro.
Want to Host Effortlessly?
Creating a board is a pleasure, but sometimes you just want to enjoy the moment. Whether it’s an impromptu apéro, a birthday, or a gathering with colleagues, our Apéro | Cheese & Charcuterie boxes are designed for exactly that. Local products, balanced flavors, and a thoughtful presentation, ready to serve.
Ready to Give It a Try?
If you recreate this board, tag us with #AperoClementina. We love seeing your creations!
And if you’d rather leave it to us, explore all our collections directly on our website.
