A quick note on slicing salami–
Because these are some of things that occupy a salami makers mind when it wanders off during the day...
Not going to lie - 2023 has gotten off to a rocky start in my business, Charlito’s Cocina. I anticipated some bumps, but the strength of the storm has been more than predicted. So…in an attempt to center myself, and get away from the often unfriendly realities of running a business, dealing with cash flow, and trying to work out of the funk that the stress has dragged me into, I try to take a few minutes each to have fun with the creative side of the biz - the stuff I like doing, not the soul sucking, head scratching, wake up in the middle of the night financial challenges associated with starting, running, and scaling a business. Here’s one such “fun dive:”
One of the many interesting things about salami is that its taste is a sum of much more than just its raw materials. One variable that you can easily play around at home with, is the way it’s sliced. Sliced thin, sliced thick, on a bias, in rounds, lengthwise- it all impacts the experience of eating. Not only does it impact the experience of eating, but it can open a world of new possibilities in serving.
A thick sliced Chorizo might be perfect for a snack, but not necessarily to finish a pizza with.
A paper thin Truffle Salami shave might be ideal to top a pizza bianco right out of the oven, but could never stay on a toothpick for a grazing board.
A diced beer salami might work wonders in a queso fundido, but would fall apart in a sandwich.
A lengthwise salami on a slicer could twist into beautiful ribbons, giving volume and body to an otherwise one dimensional charcuterie board.
Even a Sobrasada, which is typically spread as opposed to sliced, can be sliced into rounds, pan seared, and served with runny eggs for an easy 2 ingredient breakfast.
Any way you slice it, a salami is an incredibly versatile ingredient to have around. Whether plated simply on a board, cooked into a dish, or used to finish a pizza, sandwich, taco, or flatbread, a salami will indeed take you far.
