Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most elegant. This is certainly true with a cheese platter. While requiring a great deal of thought a cheese plate does not require all that much work. It is time for you to try this simple idea.
A cheese platter in more than just a tray of cheese. It should be chosen carefully and made in such a way that your guest have their appetites whetted. A cheese plate can be served as almost any course of the meal, appetizer, main course or even desert. Take the following into consideration as you prepare the plate.
Limit the number of cheeses on the plate 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 plate from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and input up to the strongest cheese. Use shape, size and color to make the plate visually appealing. For even more color, do not forget to add fresh fruit.
Of course wine and cheese make the perfect complement to a cheese board, as long as they are not strongly flavored so that they compete with the cheese rather than complement it. Everything you choose should cause the guest to appreciate the diversity that you have incorporated into the cheese board. Fruit and nuts are subtle flavors that will enhance the cheeses. They also add additional color for visual appeal and texture for the tongue.
The cheese board should be presented with knives for each type of cheese. This prevents the flavors from mixing. Soft cheeses need a wide flat knife while hard cheesed will need a sharp one.
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 plate 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 plate.
While the cheese plate is easily prepared, it offers a touch of elegance to any meal. As the host, it gives you both an artistic and a creative challenge. It offers a taste treat to your guests. Be sure to add a cheese platter to your next cocktail party.
A cheese platter in more than just a tray of cheese. It should be chosen carefully and made in such a way that your guest have their appetites whetted. A cheese plate can be served as almost any course of the meal, appetizer, main course or even desert. Take the following into consideration as you prepare the plate.
Limit the number of cheeses on the plate 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 plate from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and input up to the strongest cheese. Use shape, size and color to make the plate visually appealing. For even more color, do not forget to add fresh fruit.
Of course wine and cheese make the perfect complement to a cheese board, as long as they are not strongly flavored so that they compete with the cheese rather than complement it. Everything you choose should cause the guest to appreciate the diversity that you have incorporated into the cheese board. Fruit and nuts are subtle flavors that will enhance the cheeses. They also add additional color for visual appeal and texture for the tongue.
The cheese board should be presented with knives for each type of cheese. This prevents the flavors from mixing. Soft cheeses need a wide flat knife while hard cheesed will need a sharp one.
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 plate 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 plate.
While the cheese plate is easily prepared, it offers a touch of elegance to any meal. As the host, it gives you both an artistic and a creative challenge. It offers a taste treat to your guests. Be sure to add a cheese platter to your next cocktail party.
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.
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