Big Spring Herald Weekend

Highlighti­ng Howard Co. Business

A new twist on snack trays - Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co.

- By AMANDA DUFORAT Amanda Duforat is the Managing Editor at the Big Spring Herald. To contact her, e-mail editor@bigspringh­erald.com or call 432-263-7331.

A new take on food has arrived in Big Spring, Texas – A Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co. – has officially launched.

Big Spring resident, Allison Fox, recently stepped out in a new adventure, using her love of design and creativity to bring a new level of catering and host options to the community. Fox officially launched the business in November 2020, just a few months after the coronaviru­s made its way to the United States and cases began to appear in Howard County.

A Charcuteri­e Board usually consists of a variety of meats and cheeses along with fruits and nuts. The variations depend on the personaliz­ed order, but includes an array of cheeses, meats and a variety of crackers. The concept, which has been gaining traction recently, dates back to the time when refrigerat­ion was nonexisten­t and there was a large need to preserve meats. Through the use of smoke, salt and aging a texture was added to the products, but also an extended stable shelf life. The word charcuteri­e is derived from the French words for flesh (chair) and cooked (cuit). The word was used to describe shops in 15th century France, who sold products made from pork.

“My husband and I have always enjoyed traveling and trying traditiona­l charcuteri­e boards wherever we went, and we would do our own wine and cheese nights at home,” Fox said. “When the food boards became mainstream over the past couple of years it just struck a chord with me and engaged my creative side … my hobby became my passion.”

While Fox has been accepting orders for the past few months, her first big community appearance

was recently at the Silver Wings Ball. The grazing table, which included an array of cheeses, meats, crackers, fruits and nuts, was the centerpiec­e of the cocktail hour.

“I have such a respect for our military and the Hangar does an amazing job of keeping that legacy alive in Big Spring,” she said.

Starting a business has not been easy, but it’s an avenue that allows Fox to embrace her passion while sharing it with the community. As we head into 2021, Fox is looking to expand her presence in the community and add new and exciting food options to local events and special events for businesses and families. The different creations offered by Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co. are good for date nights, girls night, large gatherings or individual treats for a gift idea.

As the launch of her business followed the growing pandemic, Fox used the lessons and opportunit­ies

from other business owners as a way of preparing for what could happen in hopes of preventing any steps back.

“The pandemic began eight months before I started my business … and I was able to see what other businesses were doing and learn from the changes they were having to make, but my business is ideal for those wanting to distance themselves.”

She continued, “The best piece of advice I have learned is take your time when starting a business and learn from your mistakes,” she said.

For those wanting to purchase or find out more informatio­n visit saltypalat­efoods.com or follow the Facebook Page Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co.

 ?? Courtesy photo ?? Local resident Allison Fox is pursuing her passion and sharing her creativity with the community. In the midst of a pandemic, Fox stepped out on this new journey and started the Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co.
Courtesy photo Local resident Allison Fox is pursuing her passion and sharing her creativity with the community. In the midst of a pandemic, Fox stepped out on this new journey and started the Salty Palate Charcuteri­e Co.

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