It’s always stressful to have people coming over this time of the year. You want to please, and impress, but there never seems to be enough time to get everything done, especially in the kitchen, and that’s when a well-designed cheese board can save the day.
They’re fast to put together, and you don’t need any special skills, other than being able to talk to strangers at the fancy grocery store. Most feature extensive cheese selections, and it’s been my experience that the people who work in those departments love helping you pick out your cheese.
I know this, since I’m married to one of those people. Michele used to sell cheese in various shops and charcuteries, and her selection/pairing skills are legendary. Customers would simply tell her how many guests were coming, as well as what was being served, in particular, which adult beverages, and she would work her magic.
I gave you our basic approach for composing one of these boards, but there are many different ways you can go, so I encourage you to find the “Michele” at whichever place you’re buying your cheese. You won’t regret it. No matter which cheeses you end up with, or how you garnish them, I really hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Le Mothais sur Feuille - Goat Cheese
Prunes
Fuyu Persimmons
Bread - Rye Krisp
Knife - Combo (spread, slice, stab)
Manchego Membrillo - Sheep Cheese
Quince paste
Bread - water crackers
Knife - slice and stab (knife with holes)
Stilton - Cow Bleu Cheese
Candied Pecans
Grapes
Bread - sliced baguette
Knife - spreading
Note: Allow for at least 2 ounces of cheese total per guest, as a portioning rule of thumb.
Prunes
Fuyu Persimmons
Bread - Rye Krisp
Knife - Combo (spread, slice, stab)
Manchego Membrillo - Sheep Cheese
Quince paste
Bread - water crackers
Knife - slice and stab (knife with holes)
Stilton - Cow Bleu Cheese
Candied Pecans
Grapes
Bread - sliced baguette
Knife - spreading
Note: Allow for at least 2 ounces of cheese total per guest, as a portioning rule of thumb.