Southerners have their own way of pronouncing words. The best way to appreciate a word is to draw the word out. Though the Southern way should be deemed the correct way, here is how to “correctly” pronounce your culinary creations according to the rest of the world.
Crostini
No, you won’t be “eating crow” when you enjoy these appetizers. Like the Ricotta Pesto Crostini or the Spring Sweet Pea Crostini, crostini are small slices of cooked bread that are topped with another food. It is pronounced like the “craw” in “crawdad.” Maybe the next meal should include crawdad crostini!
Charcuterie
Charcuterie is a mouthful already, perhaps because of the delicious, well-designed cheese boards it is associated with. In fact, it seems it’s one of those terms where there’s no agreement on a pronunciation. Some use the French variation, which is three syllables (shar-coo-tree) while others go to four (shar-coo-tare-ee). (It turns out there isn’t the “key” sound anywhere in the word. Oops.) However you say it, use it when referring to the meats and fruits paired with cheese boards.
And here’s a mispronounced word that needs to be said the Southern way: Pimiento.
Included in Southern Pimiento Cheese or Smoky Pimiento Cheese Poppers, pimiento (or pimento) is a mix of cheeses and peppers give a kick to any meal. The best way to pronounce this cheesy delicacy is to make it three syllables and drop the “t” (like pu-minnow). If you have to keep some letters in, make sure to draw out each syllable as long as those pimiento strands go.
In choosing how to say your appetizers, you know your way and what the rest of the world says (the wrong way). When guests stop by for a chat and a bite, call your creations whatever you want. If your guests try to correct you, do they expect to be fed?