One question clients alwas ask, "it's too beautiful to eat, where do I start?" Well, it's safe to say there is no one "proper" way to eat a fancy meat and cheese board, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few general guidelines you can follow to make the experience enjoyable:
Start with the cheese: Cheese should be allowed to come to room temperature before serving, as this brings out its full flavor. Take a piece of cheese and place it on a small plate or napkin. Use a separate knife for each cheese to avoid mixing flavors.
Move on to the meat: Similar to the cheese, the meat should be allowed to come to room temperature before serving. Use separate tongs or a clean knife for each type of meat.
Add some crackers or bread: Use the crackers or bread to complement the flavors of the cheese and meat. You can either place them on the same plate as the cheese and meat or serve them in a separate basket.
Use your hands: It is perfectly acceptable to use your hands to eat the meat and cheese, but make sure to only touch what you are going to eat. If you prefer to use utensils, use separate ones for each item.
Pace yourself: Take your time and savor the flavors. It's okay to go back for seconds or thirds, but be mindful of others who may also want to try the items on the board.
Enjoy with a beverage: A glass of wine or a cold beer can complement the flavors of the meat and cheese board nicely. Just make sure to drink responsibly.
There are many foods and beverages that pair well with cheese. Here are a few examples:
Wine: Wine and cheese are a classic pairing. Generally, white wine pairs well with soft, milder cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, while red wine pairs well with harder, stronger cheeses such as Cheddar or Gouda. However, it's important to note that personal preference plays a big role in wine and cheese pairings.
Fruit: Fresh or dried fruit can complement the flavor of cheese nicely. For example, pairing apples or grapes with cheddar cheese can create a sweet and savory flavor combination.
Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans can add texture and flavor to cheese. For example, pairing blue cheese with walnuts can create a rich and nutty flavor.
Bread or crackers: Bread or crackers can provide a neutral base for cheese and help bring out its flavor. For example, pairing a mild cheese with a plain cracker can allow the cheese's flavor to shine.
Charcuterie: Meats such as salami or prosciutto can complement the flavors of cheese. For example, pairing a salty prosciutto with a mild cheese can create a well-balanced flavor profile.
It's important to experiment with different pairings and find what works best for your taste preferences. Grapes and cheese is a great combination! The sweetness of the grapes can balance out the richness of the cheese, making it a perfect pairing. Grapes also provide a nice textural contrast to the cheese, as they are crunchy and juicy while cheese is typically soft and creamy.
In terms of cheese and grape pairings, there are many options to consider. For example, pairing blue cheese with red grapes can create a sweet and savory flavor, while pairing a mild cheese like Brie or Camembert with green grapes can create a more subtle flavor profile.
Overall, if grapes and cheese is your personal favorite, then go ahead and enjoy it! It's a classic and delicious pairing that is sure to please. Honey and cheese is another great pairing that can create a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. The sweetness of the honey can complement the richness of the cheese, while the cheese can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the honey.
In terms of cheese and honey pairings, there are many options to consider. For example, pairing a sharp cheddar with honey can create a balance of flavors, while pairing a creamy goat cheese with honey can create a smooth and sweet flavor profile. Blue cheese can also pair well with honey, as the sweetness of the honey can help balance out the bold flavor of the cheese.
When it comes to serving honey and cheese together, you can either drizzle the honey directly onto the cheese or serve the honey on the side for dipping or spreading. Honey can also be served with crackers or bread to add some texture to the pairing.
Overall, honey and cheese is a delicious pairing that is worth trying if you haven't already!
Yes, veggies can be a great accompaniment to cheese, especially when it comes to creating a well-rounded and healthy snack or meal. Vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy flavors of cheese, and they also add color, texture, and nutrients to the overall dish.
Some vegetables that pair well with cheese include:
Cherry tomatoes: The sweet and tangy flavor of cherry tomatoes can complement the mild and creamy flavor of cheese.
Carrots: The mild sweetness and crunchy texture of carrots can pair well with the salty and tangy flavor of cheese.
Cucumber: The refreshing and mild flavor of cucumber can provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy flavor of cheese.
Celery: The crunchy texture and mild flavor of celery can be a nice complement to the sharp and tangy flavor of some cheeses.
Bell peppers: The sweet and slightly tangy flavor of bell peppers can pair well with the mild and creamy flavor of some cheeses.
Overall, vegetables can be a great addition to a cheese board or platter, as they can help balance out the richness of the cheese and provide some extra nutritional benefits.
Dark chocolate can be a great pairing with certain types of cheese, especially those that are bold and strong in flavor. The bitterness of the chocolate can complement the richness of the cheese, and the combination can create a complex and delicious flavor profile.
When it comes to pairing dark chocolate with cheese, it's important to consider the flavor and texture of the cheese. Some cheeses that pair well with dark chocolate include:
Blue cheese: The bold and tangy flavor of blue cheese can pair well with the bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a unique and complex flavor.
Aged cheddar: The sharp and nutty flavor of aged cheddar can be balanced by the sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate.
Parmesan: The salty and nutty flavor of Parmesan can be enhanced by the bitterness of dark chocolate.
When serving dark chocolate with cheese, it's best to choose a high-quality chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa solids (70% or higher). You can serve the chocolate alongside the cheese on a cheese board, or you can shave or grate the chocolate over the cheese for a decadent and flavorful touch.
Overall, dark chocolate can be a delicious pairing with certain types of cheese, but it's important to experiment and find the combinations that work best for your taste preferences.
In conclusion, there are many foods and beverages that pair well with cheese, including wine, fruit, nuts, bread or crackers, and even vegetables. Cheese can also be paired with sweet flavors like honey and dark chocolate to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.
When it comes to serving a cheese board or platter, it's important to consider the variety of flavors, textures, and colors in the selection of cheeses and accompaniments. Experimenting with different pairings can help you discover new flavor combinations and create an enjoyable dining experience.
