A cheese plate is the perfect greeting for guests as they walk in door, a welcome contribution to a dinner party, or potluck offering. Cheese plates can be artful, with lots of room for improvisation.
It is a good rule of thumb to include a variety of textures and flavors. Most cheese belongs to one of four basic categories: aged, soft, firm, or blue. For a good variety, choose at least one from each group:
Aged: Aged Cheddar, Comte, Goat Gouda
Soft: Cowgirl Creamery Fromage Blanc, Montchevre Cranberry Goat
Cheese Log, Constant Bliss, Camembert, Brillat-Savarin
Firm: Manchego, Mimolette, Parmigiano-Reggiano
Blue: Gorgonzola Dolce, Valdeón, Stilton, Rocquefort
You can also vary the type of milk used. Try selecting one from all three: cow, goat, and sheep. This will ensure a range of different flavors on the plate.
Cow: Cowgirl Creamery Red Hawk or Chimney Rock,
Goat: Larua Chenels Chevre, Cypress Grove Humbolt Fog, Busheron
Sheep: Manchego, Cypress Grove's Lamb Chopper,
Always serve at least one familiar cheese for your less adventuresome guests. And if there will be children invited, consider making a separate plate with the milder flavors.
Vary the types of crackers, and include spreads and condiments such as:
Crackers: La Panzanella's Croccantini, Raincoast Crisps
Spreads: Piedmont's Own Cranberry or Red Pepper Spread, Stonewall
Kitchen Truffle Aioli
Condiments: Olives, Cornichons, Fresh Figs, Marcona Almonds
The Wine Inquirer has created this great chart on wine and cheese pairing that will help you select the wines to go with your plate. Click on it to enlarge.
When in doubt, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your experts at our cheese counter.
