Mastering the Art of Charcuterie: Expert Tips from Cheese Gal’s Cortney LaCorte

Meet Cortney LaCorte, the visionary behind the highly acclaimed Nashville-based company, Cheese Gal. Cortney is not just a founder and owner; she’s a charcuterie artist, crafting breathtaking charcuterie boards that have graced the tables of some of the biggest names in country music, including legends like Shania Twain and Tim McGraw. Her journey from a passionate home cook to an industry leader is an inspiring testament to the power of combining culinary creativity with entrepreneurial spirit.

The story of Cheese Gal began modestly in a small Nashville kitchen, fueled by Cortney’s deep love for cheese and the art of entertaining. What started as a personal passion quickly blossomed, leading to a rapid expansion and the opening of a charming brick-and-mortar storefront. Cortney soon realized that her exquisite cheese boards offered something far more profound than mere sustenance. They fostered connections, sparked conversations, and nourished not only our bodies but also our relationships and spirits. As a dedicated cheese board expert and a busy mom of two, Cortney has masterfully transformed her enthusiasm for all things cheese and entertaining into a beloved company, earning a loyal following and widespread admiration.

Her unique approach to charcuterie, which emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and delightful flavors, has made her a go-to authority for those looking to elevate their entertaining game. Whether it’s a grand celebrity event or an intimate gathering, Cortney’s philosophy remains consistent: a charcuterie board should be an experience, a centerpiece that invites people to gather, share, and create lasting memories. Her success is a testament to her belief that food, especially a thoughtfully curated board, can be a powerful catalyst for human connection.

In a recent candid discussion on The Just a Taste Podcast, Cortney LaCorte shared invaluable insights into her journey, her secrets for crafting the ultimate charcuterie board, and how she navigates the demanding world of entrepreneurship while raising a family. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to learn from a true expert in the field, offering a blend of practical advice and inspiring personal anecdotes.

In this insightful episode of The Just a Taste Podcast, Cortney and I delve into:

• From Social Media to Success: Cortney’s Entrepreneurial Leap

  Discover the incredible transformation of Cheese Gal, tracing Cortney’s journey from serving a single customer on Instagram to building a thriving, bustling company. We explore the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategic decisions that propelled her brand forward, highlighting the power of social media and authentic connection in building a successful business from the ground up. Cortney shares how she identified a niche, cultivated her brand’s unique identity, and scaled operations to meet rapidly growing demand, all while maintaining her unwavering commitment to quality and creativity.

• The Ultimate Charcuterie Board: Cortney’s Expert Tips and Tricks

  Learn how to truly impress your guests with your very own ultimate cheese board, armed with Cortney’s invaluable tips and clever tricks. This segment is packed with actionable advice designed to elevate your charcuterie game from ordinary to extraordinary. Cortney breaks down the essential elements of a show-stopping board, covering everything from thoughtful ingredient selection to artful arrangement. She emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors, textures, and colors to create a visually stunning and incredibly delicious spread that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences it.

• Professional Presentation: Cutting, Sourcing, and “Wow” Factor Fillers

  Uncover the professional techniques for cutting each type of cheese, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and ease of enjoyment. Cortney reveals where to source the perfect, high-quality wood boards that serve as the ideal canvas for your culinary masterpiece. Furthermore, she shares her secrets for selecting and incorporating “filler items” – those often-overlooked elements that add an undeniable “wow factor” to your charcuterie. This includes discussing a variety of cured meats, artisanal crackers, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, olives, and delectable spreads, all chosen to complement your cheeses and create a harmonious tasting experience. Understanding how to create visual interest with height, color, and texture is key to transforming a simple platter into a work of art.

• Balancing Act: Navigating Work Life and Mom Life

  Cortney opens up about the ever-present challenge of balancing a thriving business with the demands of motherhood, and how she navigates the often-discussed “mom guilt.” This candid conversation offers relatable insights and practical strategies for working parents striving to achieve harmony between their professional ambitions and family responsibilities. Cortney shares her personal approach to time management, setting boundaries, and finding moments of self-care amidst a busy schedule, providing an encouraging perspective for other entrepreneurs and moms.

• Celebrity Spotlight: Tim McGraw’s All-Time Favorite Cheese!

  Get the inside scoop on the all-time favorite cheese for one of Cortney’s most regular and famous customers, country music superstar Tim McGraw! This fun revelation offers a glimpse into the preferences of a celebrity palate and might even inspire your next cheese board selection. We discuss why this particular cheese holds such appeal and offer suggestions for how you might incorporate it into your own gourmet creations, making it an exciting highlight for any cheese enthusiast.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned host, or simply someone who appreciates the finer points of a beautifully crafted meal, Cortney LaCorte’s insights are invaluable. Her passion is infectious, and her advice is practical, making the dream of creating an extraordinary charcuterie board an achievable reality for everyone. From selecting the freshest ingredients to arranging them with artistic flair, Cortney empowers you to unlock your inner culinary artist and create memorable moments around the table.

Tune in below for my full interview with Cortney LaCorte!