Here's how you can create your own charcuterie board

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A charcuterie board of smoked pepper cheese, balsamic-onion relish, Dutch Gouda, Sicilian black olives, truffle oil-infused cream cheese, cranberry jalapeño pistachio cream cheese, chicken pepper salami, spicy chorizo, sharp cheddar and multigrain crackers by ttttapas

With its Instagrammable aesthetic appeal, the charcuterie board became one of the most-Googled terms in 2021. A French term for cookery devoted to prepared meat products, originally pork, charcuterie today also includes poultry, buff, beef and seafood, explains Jaydeep Mukherjee, brand head, Smoke House Deli, which is popular for its curation of house-cured meats and sausages. "Initially intended to preserve meat prior to refrigeration, these days, it is celebrated for the amazing flavours that emanate due to the preservation techniques and processes," he informs us. While locked-in netizens may have just started crushing over charcuterie boards, Mukherjee notes that the platters have been popular for a long time now, with breads, cheese, fruits and nuts being added to the mix to complement the meats.

Shilpa Gupta, who customises charcuterie and cheese platters under her brand ttttapas, tells us that charcuterie board is essentially a platter full of meats, cheese, spreads and accompaniments, for one to graze through over a brunch or an evening. As the more responsible way to party is at home, charcuterie boards are the flavour of the season, because they're a wholesome accompaniment to alcohol and require lesser kitchen time for the hosts.

Jaydeep Mukherjee; Shilpa Gupta

If you plan to curate a platter, Gupta and Mukherjee have some handy tricks up their sleeves:

>> Keep it fresh: The guiding principle, Gupta states, is that the platter should be fresh and comprise loads of variety. "The meats and cheese should be of the best possible quality as both are highly perishable and acidic foods," she cautions.

>> Cover the basics: A good charcuterie board will have the same five basic categories - good meats, cheese varieties, fruits and vegetables, breads and crackers, and spreads, points out Mukherjee.

>> Balance is key: Both experts suggest that striking a balance is key. "Keep a good mix of protein and carbs to balance out a boozy party," notes Gupta.

>> Classic vs contemporary: Mukherjee tells us that a classic platter can offer two to three varieties of cheese (a cheddar, brie, or edam), two to three meats (prosciutto, a pate or salami), three types of breads or crisps (sourdough, breadsticks and multigrain crackers), a couple of spreads (such as a hot, spicy mustard and a local honey), and some fruits (apples or dried fruits). Throw in a few nuts, fresh grapes and olives to enhance its visual appeal. Gupta adds that one can also offer a contemporary touch with grilled meats and kebabs.

>> Say cheese: If the meat is pungent, a milder Gouda or smoked cheese would complement it. If it's of a softer flavour like chicken salami or smoked ham, go for a sharper cheese like cheddar.

>> Platter matter: While online shopping portals are filled with pretty platters, Gupta says one can use what they have at home for the base - a wooden board, a glass flat tray, or even a smart thali-like serving tray. The trick is to cover all the bare space with crackers, chips and grapes and other fillers; when it's loaded up, it looks lavish.

>> Flower power: To keep your Instagram following happy, place a small floral arrangement on the board. "They make the board the table's centrepiece," Gupta shares. She reminds us to ensure that the meats shouldn't be the very smelly ones. "You don't want your party smelling like the frozen section of a supermarket. Have the platter decked up and refrigerated well in advance."

>> Boozy talk: Charcuterie boards pair well with wines, gin-based cocktails and spritzers.

Get them on board
>> Gupta customises and home-delivers platters.
Log on to: @ttttapas
Call: 9321995616

>> Smoke House charcuterie board comprising sausage chilli, charcuterie meat lover's pizza, and more.
At: Smoke House Deli, Pali Hill and Colaba outlets.
Call: 8879651171

>> Get your hands on The Theatric Platter's eco-friendly boards.
Call: 9619007533