PARTNER POST: Check out these easy entertaining tips for all your summer activities complete with charcuterie and pâté. This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Les Trois Petits Cochons.
Paired with beer and as casual or elegant as you want it to feel, this charcuterie spread is perfect for a picnic or an evening on the patio complete with a chorizo cake.
So, I had this all planned out. I was going to make this awesome picnic spread with the products the lovely folks at Les Trois Petit Cochon sent over. Their picnic basket makes for a fantastic board as is but I decided to dare it up further. Then, me and partner were going to carry it to Astoria park, sit amidst the trees with a view of the bridge. I was going to uncork a nice bottle of chilled Rosé, pour into proper flutes (we don’t do paper cups in our thirties.. we buy hampers with checkered cloth liners and leather straps to hold things together… #noirony), lean back and enjoy the afternoon. It was the going to be just right to ease into the summer groove. 
Except, as it usually happens in the East Coast, we were gifted with the heavy possibility of late spring showers that decided that a sunny forecast just wasn’t what it had in mind. So, as the day stayed ominously cloudy, I postponed the long afternoon brunch plans to early evening dinner idea. And, we perpetually waited for either the sky to clear up or dump the water and go away.
Neither happened. But dinner time came. Yet, I was determined to have the damn picnic. So, as I watched the parking spot in our house clear out, while I sipped a settling lager, a plan formed. Well, if we can’t go to the park, we’ll bring it to us! It hatched as I took in the freshly planted flower plants that my landlady does every Spring. That’s it! We’ll have a picnic right in our front yard, ahem, parking spot!
So, I put out the folding chairs, brought out the platters and wood boards, popped open new beer, because by now, the beer was more fitting to the occasion and the spread. I was rather proud of myself, while the landlady herself, who was watching from the porch and all the passer-bys gazed on in amusement!
There we have it – the menu for my unique spread of all gluten free pork and duck things…
CHORIZO AND PEPPER CHICKPEA CAKE
WHIPPED RICOTTA AND DUCK MOUSSE ON PEPPER CRACKER
SLICED SMOKED DUCK BREAST
SLICED CHORIZO
PAIRED WITH RICH, DEEP, STRONG LAGER
Charcuterie and Beer Picnic: Chorizo and Pepper Chickpea Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This charcuterie and beer picnic features a flavorful chorizo and pepper chickpea cake, complemented by whipped ricotta, duck mousse on pepper crackers, and sliced smoked duck breast, all paired with a rich lager.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup diced chorizo (about 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1 red pepper, diced small
- 1/4 cup + 2 tsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2/3 cup chickpea flour
- 1/3 cup gluten-free flour blend (or substitute with regular flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Whipped ricotta
- Duck mousse
- Pepper crackers
- Sliced smoked duck breast
- Sliced chorizo
- Rich, deep, strong lager (for pairing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil until the mixture is very pale and nearly doubled in volume.
- Add the Dijon mustard and whisk until evenly incorporated.
- Sift in the chickpea flour, gluten-free flour blend, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Quickly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced chorizo, red pepper, and sunflower seeds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the serving platter with whipped ricotta, duck mousse on pepper crackers, sliced smoked duck breast, and sliced chorizo.
- Once the cake is done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving alongside the prepared charcuterie items.
- Pair the spread with a rich, deep, strong lager for the perfect picnic experience.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. This spread is perfect for casual gatherings or elegant picnics. Pair with a strong lager for the best flavor experience. If you can’t find duck mousse, substitute with a similar pâté.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beer pairs best with the chorizo cake in this picnic spread?
A light lager or a crisp pale ale complements the spices in the chorizo cake well, providing a refreshing balance.
Can I use different types of pâté for the charcuterie board?
Yes, feel free to mix in other varieties of pâté, such as chicken or duck, to add different flavors and textures to your spread.
How should I store the charcuterie ingredients if I prepare them in advance?
Keep the meats and cheeses wrapped in the refrigerator, and assemble the board just before serving to maintain their freshness.
