Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most elegant. This is certainly true with a cheese board. While requiring a great deal of thought a cheese board does not require all that much work. It is time for you to try this simple idea.
A cheese plate is not just a cheese platter. It consists of cheeses that have been chosen very carefully and then prepared in a way to prepare the appetites of your guests. The plate can be served as either the appetizer, main course or even desert. Here are a few things to consider when preparing a cheese platter.
Limit the number of cheeses on the platter to no more than five or six. Cheeses should have different appearances, tastes and textures. Plan the plate according to a theme. Some ideas include a country, different milks or different seasons. Vary the tastes on the board from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and effort up to the strongest cheese. Use shape, size and color to make the board visually appealing. For even more color, do not forget to add fresh fruit.
Accompany the plate with wine and bread. Choose these elements to complement the cheeses that you have selected. Be sure that their flavors are not so strong that they compete with the cheese, but rather complement it. Choose everything so that your guests can appreciate the diversity of the cheese platter. Fruit and nuts will add more subtle flavors to the cheese board and enhance the flavors of the cheese.
When you present the cheese board, be sure that there are different knives for each type of cheese. You do not want flavors to be mixed. Use a wide flat knife for soft spreadable cheeses and a very sharp knife for the hard cheeses.
Leave enough space between the cheeses in order for them not to mix. This is especially important with soft cheeses that may spread as they reach room temperature. Cheeses with a strong aroma should not be next to those with a mild smell. Smaller cheeses should be placed in the center, then the soft cheeses. Hard cheeses should be placed around the edges so they can be reached for easy cutting.
Most cheeses taste best when at room temperature so make plans to allow the cheese board to reach that temperature. It will take at least one hour (longer for hard cheeses) for the cheese to reach room temperature. Watch softer cheeses so that they do not become too soft. Keep the cheeses covered while they are brought to room temperature. You do not want them to dry out and discolor. Remove the wraps just before serving the cheese board.
While a simple idea, a cheese plate is very elegant also. It adds class to any meal. It is a chance to show off your artistic and creative abilities while meeting the taste needs of your guests. Try serving one at your next dinner party. Your guests will appreciate it. - 29943
A cheese plate is not just a cheese platter. It consists of cheeses that have been chosen very carefully and then prepared in a way to prepare the appetites of your guests. The plate can be served as either the appetizer, main course or even desert. Here are a few things to consider when preparing a cheese platter.
Limit the number of cheeses on the platter to no more than five or six. Cheeses should have different appearances, tastes and textures. Plan the plate according to a theme. Some ideas include a country, different milks or different seasons. Vary the tastes on the board from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and effort up to the strongest cheese. Use shape, size and color to make the board visually appealing. For even more color, do not forget to add fresh fruit.
Accompany the plate with wine and bread. Choose these elements to complement the cheeses that you have selected. Be sure that their flavors are not so strong that they compete with the cheese, but rather complement it. Choose everything so that your guests can appreciate the diversity of the cheese platter. Fruit and nuts will add more subtle flavors to the cheese board and enhance the flavors of the cheese.
When you present the cheese board, be sure that there are different knives for each type of cheese. You do not want flavors to be mixed. Use a wide flat knife for soft spreadable cheeses and a very sharp knife for the hard cheeses.
Leave enough space between the cheeses in order for them not to mix. This is especially important with soft cheeses that may spread as they reach room temperature. Cheeses with a strong aroma should not be next to those with a mild smell. Smaller cheeses should be placed in the center, then the soft cheeses. Hard cheeses should be placed around the edges so they can be reached for easy cutting.
Most cheeses taste best when at room temperature so make plans to allow the cheese board to reach that temperature. It will take at least one hour (longer for hard cheeses) for the cheese to reach room temperature. Watch softer cheeses so that they do not become too soft. Keep the cheeses covered while they are brought to room temperature. You do not want them to dry out and discolor. Remove the wraps just before serving the cheese board.
While a simple idea, a cheese plate is very elegant also. It adds class to any meal. It is a chance to show off your artistic and creative abilities while meeting the taste needs of your guests. Try serving one at your next dinner party. Your guests will appreciate it. - 29943
About the Author:
For professional looking dinner parties and cocktail events, try a top quality cheese board to impress your guests. A butchers block cutting board is sure to set the tone perfectly.
