If you ever wanted to try making your own charcuterie but were reluctant to start without a class or community to help you along, now’s your chance. Started by bloggers Mrs. Wheelbarrow and The Yummy Mummy I first heard of #Charcutepalooza on Twitter where I follow Michael Ruhlman (@ruhlman). Michael’s a wonderfully intelligent writer on many things culinary, one of which is his book, (now backordered) Charcuterie. #Charcutepalooza is a yearlong experience of monthly “challenges” using Michael’s book as a text. You have time to jump in for the February Challenge, The Salt Cure. Lots of chefs and bloggers alike are getting involved so expect great cross pollination and commentary. Ruhlman is said to be on board as well.
And now you really have an incentive to participate. One outstanding home charcutier will win an all expenses paid trip to France to take a week-long butchery and charcuterie class at the Kitchen at Carmont in Gascony, France.