Emily Teets and Amanda Pasterik have a laugh at the charcuterie board crafting and wine pairing class at Wood Lane & Co. in Zelienople on Thursday, June 13. Zach Petroff/Butler Eagle

ZELIENOPLE — There may not be a set of ingredients required to make the perfect charcuterie board, however, there is one aspect that can be the difference between a regular meat tray and a divine culinary masterpiece.

“It’s about presentation,” said Shawna Leahy of Connoquenessing. “Presentation is like 70% of having a good charcuterie board.”

Leahy along with 23 other culinary-minded charcuterie enthusiasts took part in Wood Lane & Co.’s, charcuterie workshop on Thursday, June 13. Hosted by April Miller, a Penn State educator and registered dietitian, the class featured tips and instructions on how to create the “perfect” themed tray along with a wine and cheese pairing seminar taught by Katie Talarico, Wine Maker & Owner of Papa Joe's Winery in Zelienople.

Participants also received a customized charcuterie board.

Amanda Winfield of Springdale and Tiffany Soltesz of Zelniople show off their creation at the charcuterie board crafting and wine pairing class at Wood Lane & Co. in Zelienople on Thursday, June 13. Zach Petroff/Butler Eagle

Anna Ezzolo, owner of Wood Lane & Co., 106 S. Main St. in Zelienople, said the timing of having both Miller and Talarico available for the workshop was “perfect,” and given the popularity of the event, she plans to host future charcuterie workshops.

“We’re looking at end of summer or early fall,” Ezzolo said. “This seems to be something people really enjoy doing and having people have a place to come together, be with friends and relax I feel is the main focus on this business.”

Laura Jones, of Butler, who was with her friend Eileen Cassidy, agreed with Ezzolo’s assessment of how the evening turned out.

April Miller, Penn State Educator and Registered Dietician, shows how to make a creative and healthy charcuterie board at Wood Lane & Co. in Zelienople on Thursday, June 13. Zach Petroff/Butler Eagle

“This was the perfect girl’s night out while our husbands are golfing,” Jones said laughing.

Talarico kicked off the workshop by going over various pairings of which wines match best with certain cheeses.

“You got to pay attention to the flavor notes,” Talarico said.

Miller’s workshop blended the culinary history of the meat tray while emphasizing the importance of presentation and also keeping the popular variety snack tray a healthy option for partygoers.

Shawana Leahey, Nicole Delcua and Jodi Wilgosz have a fun girls night out at the charcuterie board crafting and wine pairing class at Wood Lane & Co. in Zelienople on Thursday, June 13. Zach Petroff/Butler Eagle

“As I go through the components, I talk about the variety of different groups that can be represented on the boards so it could technically fit into a healthy meal plan,” Miller said.

Amanda Pasterik and Emily Teets said they enjoyed the class and were able to learn a lot.

Pasterik, a self-proclaimed charcuterie enthusiast, said “I liked how she showed us how to cut kiwi. And I thought it was a good idea to use the pizza cutter to help cut the different cheeses, it’s such a good idea.”

To sign up for the next workshop visit www.woodslaneco.com.