Here is a idea for your next party that is both simple and elegant. It does not require extraordinary amount work and yet you must add quite a bit of thought to the little course of a meal that is called a cheese plate. Add one to your next cocktail party.
A cheese plate 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 board 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 board.
Limit the number of cheeses on the platter to no more than a half dozen or so. Cheeses should have different appearances, tastes and textures. Plan the platter according to a theme. Some ideas include a country, different milks or different seasons. Vary the tastes on the platter from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and work 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.
Of course wine and cheese make the perfect complement to a cheese platter, 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 plate. 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 platter 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.
Be sure that you leave enough space between the cheeses so that they do not mix. This is very important when serving the soft cheeses. Cheeses that have a strong smell should be place far from those with a mild smell. Put the smaller cheeses in the center of the board and surround them with the softer cheeses. The hardest cheeses need to be around the edges of the board so they are easily cut.
For best flavor serve the cheese plate at room temperature. Set the plate out at least an hour before time to serve the cheese platter. Hard cheeses will need to be set out longer, so plan accordingly. Be careful that the soft cheeses do not become so soft that they spread too much on the board. Keep the cheeses covered until just before your are ready to serve the cheese board to prevent them from drying out. If there are leftovers, be sure that cover and refrigerate after the party.
The cheese plate is simple to prepare, yet offers a very elegant course to any meal. It gives you as the host both an artistic as well as a creative challenge. It is also very tasty for your guests. Try serving one at a cocktail party soon.
A cheese plate 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 board 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 board.
Limit the number of cheeses on the platter to no more than a half dozen or so. Cheeses should have different appearances, tastes and textures. Plan the platter according to a theme. Some ideas include a country, different milks or different seasons. Vary the tastes on the platter from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and work 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.
Of course wine and cheese make the perfect complement to a cheese platter, 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 plate. 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 platter 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.
Be sure that you leave enough space between the cheeses so that they do not mix. This is very important when serving the soft cheeses. Cheeses that have a strong smell should be place far from those with a mild smell. Put the smaller cheeses in the center of the board and surround them with the softer cheeses. The hardest cheeses need to be around the edges of the board so they are easily cut.
For best flavor serve the cheese plate at room temperature. Set the plate out at least an hour before time to serve the cheese platter. Hard cheeses will need to be set out longer, so plan accordingly. Be careful that the soft cheeses do not become so soft that they spread too much on the board. Keep the cheeses covered until just before your are ready to serve the cheese board to prevent them from drying out. If there are leftovers, be sure that cover and refrigerate after the party.
The cheese plate is simple to prepare, yet offers a very elegant course to any meal. It gives you as the host both an artistic as well as a creative challenge. It is also very tasty for your guests. Try serving one at a cocktail party soon.
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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