How to Build the Perfect All-Canadian Valentine's Day Charcuterie Board
When your love language revolves around delicious snacks, nothing says romance quite like a thoughtfully curated charcuterie board. This Valentine's Day, why not celebrate with a proudly Canadian compilation that showcases the finest products from across the country? Here's our comprehensive guide to selecting the perfect components for your romantic spread.
The Foundation: A Handcrafted Serving Board
Black Walnut Charcuterie Board from Live Edged Woodcraft
The canvas for your culinary creation deserves as much attention as the food itself. This beautiful 13-by-15-inch walnut board comes from Cannington, Ontario's Live Edged Woodcraft, where founder Bill Major creates stunning pieces from rescued Ontario hardwood during his retirement. Each board receives a natural treatment with hemp seed oil and beeswax paste, with a tin of the protective blend included with every purchase.
The Savory Centerpiece: Premium Cured Meats
Salami Charcuterie Pack from Soleterra d'Italia
Begin your board with a selection of cured meats that will delight every palate. Soleterra d'Italia offers a 200-gram variety pack featuring Calabrese Piccante, Napoli, and Finocchio blends. This unique brand represents a collaboration between two families—the Simoninis in Modena, Italy, and the Prices in Acme, Alberta—combining generations-old European recipes with premium Canadian-grown pork.
The Cheese Selection: A Tipsy Surprise
Tipsy Cheese from Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese
No charcuterie board reaches completion without exceptional cheese. Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese, nestled in Oxford County, Ontario, produces this remarkable cow's milk cheese modeled after Switzerland's rare Mutchili. What makes it truly special? The cheese undergoes a four-day soak in red wine from Palatine Hills Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake before beginning its three-month aging process, resulting in a uniquely flavorful experience.
The Tangy Accents: Perfect Pickled Vegetables
The Asparagoos from Matt and Steve's
Pickled vegetables often disappear first from any charcuterie arrangement, and Mississauga-based Matt and Steve's has perfected the art. Their product line includes Extreme Bean pickled beans, Extreme Pickled Spears, and The Asparagoos—all featuring satisfying crunch, tangy flavor profiles, and simple, quality ingredients that complement any board.
The Essential Base: Flavorful Crackers
Pepper & Sea Salt Crackers from Jenny Marie's Cracker Co.
While bread might be the more indulgent option, crackers provide essential balance to your charcuterie presentation. Victoria, British Columbia's Jenny Marie's Cracker Company offers these far-from-ordinary Pepper & Sea Salt crisps made with wholesome vegan ingredients, creating the perfect vehicle for cheeses, spreads, and meats.
The Flavor Boost: Sweet and Spicy Jelly
Hot Pepper Jelly from Prince Edward Island Preserve Company
No debate necessary—hot pepper jelly elevates any charcuterie board with its perfect blend of sweet and spicy notes. This signature product from P.E.I. Preserve Company combines green peppers and jalapenos for heat, balanced by sugar, rhubarb juice, and lemon juice for tangy sweetness. Since Adam and Marsha Doiron purchased the company in 2022, they've expanded the New Glasgow property into a must-visit destination with various tourist attractions.
The Sweet Finale: Decadent Chocolate
Dark Hazelnut Crunch from Purdys
Every romantic charcuterie board deserves a sweet conclusion, and chocolate provides the perfect Valentine's Day touch. Vancouver-based Purdys recently introduced their luxurious Dark Hazelnut Crunch—eight exquisite pieces featuring lush hazelnut blended with crunchy toffee and kataifi pastry, all enveloped in a dark chocolate shell with an elegant gold dusting. Almost too beautiful to eat, but far too delicious to resist.
By selecting these Canadian-made products, you'll create more than just a snack board—you'll craft a culinary love letter that celebrates local craftsmanship from coast to coast. The artful arrangement remains your personal expression, but with these quality components, your Valentine's Day celebration will be unforgettable.
