ISSUED: 15 November 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Fifty alumnae and community members attended the Women for Shepherd University charcuterie board demonstration at the Shepherdstown Train Station on November 9. The workshop was sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation and was the 19th Women for Shepherd marquee event.
Candace Smith, owner of Grazeful in Martinsburg, West Virginia, showed attendees the tips and tricks to creating a perfect grazing board for a small gathering or a large party. Inspired by hours of watching Food Network at her grandmother’s house, Smith began making cheeseboards for her family events and transitioned that into a business.
Grazeful, a spin on the word grateful, aims to bring people together around a thoughtfully curated menu of fine charcuterie and cheeses while making lasting memories with loved ones.
During the presentation, Smith put together a sample small board while answering questions about what products were best to include, how to create clusters of interesting colors and varieties of ingredients, how to best cut fruit to be both long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing, and how to finish off the grazing board with final touches of herbs or edible flowers.
“The charcuterie program was absolutely delightful,” said Sue Ann Palmer, who attended with good friend Mary Shipe Duke. “The presenter was enthusiastic and very willing to answer questions—not to mention that the food was delicious. I look forward to the next event.”
Following the presentation, guests could sample not only a curated savory board, but also a dessert board overflowing with delicious goodies. Two lucky recipients also walked away with door prizes. Carolyn Fleenor won a wooden charcuterie board and utensil set from German Street Marketplace Coffee & Candlery in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and Lisa Stewart received a Grazeful gift card.
“Last night’s event was lots of fun, and I learned quite a bit about charcuterie design,” said Stewart, who came from Hagerstown, Maryland, to attend the event. “I look forward to attending more Shepherd University events in the future.”
If you are interested in learning more about Women for Shepherd University or want to help plan future events, contact Meg Patterson, Shepherd University Foundation, at 304-876-5021 or mpeterso@shepherd.edu, or visit the Shepherd University Foundation webpage.
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