Hello readers.
Happy New Year!
Most of us have made resolutions successfully and since it’s almost the end of January, many of us must have broken them even more fruitfully.
January is my birth month and hence I was going over some easy recipes for entertaining my friends, in case they popped in to wish me. I came across this French delicacy on Instagram which made me just drool over. And just like that, my Insta feed was filled with the various versions of this delicacy, feed after feed, reel after reel- you know, how these algorithms work, right? I was literally flooded until I finally could pronounce its name correctly- Charcuterie (Shar-Koo-Tuh-Ree).
The traditional art of Charcuterie was developed in the 15th century and involved preparing cured meats and meat products. Modern definition evolved to include more types of food and styles of the board. The current generation seems to have adapted it effortlessly to suit their own choices- Vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or Vegan- loved by adults and kids equally. A simple combination of protein, cheese, nuts, colorful cherries, berries, crips, and dips- turned it into a culinary marvel.
I could easily see it being served as a family breakfast board, at a classy ladies’ coffee date, or sassy birthday party, and likewise satiate the late-night hunger pangs at a teenage pajama party. Wanna pack it for lunch- place all ingredients in a jar (Jar-coterie) and you could have a portable option ready. Style it as you may please.
I was curious to design an equivalent platter, which perfectly served my menopausal audience for their ladies’ night.
Here are my ideas, and you could play around as per your cravings.
Choose your board- depending on your party size and choice of shape- rectangles or circles are the most popular.
Choose your cheese- select the soft or semi-soft types- stick to two choices maximum and pre-slice it- I would suggest cheddar, brie, or gouda- remember this gives you calcium
Choose your protein- meats such as ham or salami
Choose your berries and cherries- they add lots of color appeal and a fresh taste along with multivitamins and minerals. They help refresh the palate between cheese and dips. You could also add carrots, celery, cucumber, and peppers.
Choose your nuts: walnuts, almonds- plain or roasted- adding healthy fats and omega-3. Olives would also be a good choice
Choose your crackers- I have seen a wide variety of flax seed and pumpkin seed crackers
Choose your dips: hummus, avocado guacamole, or tomato salsa. Even fig jams, jellies, or honey adds a dash of sweetness to our plate
Choose your dessert: dark chocolates are my favorite and good for your heart health. Dark currents or dried dark cherries.
There it is- Your delicious nibbling treat. So, go ahead ladies, throw in your colors and be creative. When’s your next ladies’ night happening?
About the blogger:
Dr. Tabassum Inamdar is a dynamic Homeopath, a passionate artist, and an adventurer in life. From Medical corporate to Academics, she has balanced her left brain and right brain with equal passion for Art. She writes a series of blogs “No pause at Menopause” in collaboration with @at.meno.pause.ae. A sketch artist since childhood, she is enchanted by theatre and writing. She is a regular theatre performer in Dubai. She continues life’s adventure by trekking, Sky diving, or Marshalling at Formula 1 tracks. You may stalk her @doctabu (IG) or say hello @tabu.inamdar (FB)
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