Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most elegant. This is certainly true with a cheese board. While requiring a great deal of thought a cheese platter does not require all that much time. It is time for you to try this simple idea.
A cheese platter is not just a cheese platter. It consists of cheeses that have been chosen very carefully and then prepared in a way to prepare the appetites of your guests. The plate can be served as either the appetizer, main course or even desert. Here are a few things to consider when preparing a cheese platter.
When selecting cheese, do not choose more than five different cheeses. Select cheeses that are of different textures, appearances and tastes. You can plan your cheese platter according to a theme, such as a country, different milks or even the seasons. The tastes on the plate should vary from mild to strong so that your guests can begin with the mildest and move up to the strongest. Make the cheese plate visually appealing by using different colors, shapes and sizes of cheese. Fresh fruit can be used to add a color splash.
You may want to accompany the cheese plate with wine or bread. They should complement the cheeses selected. Make sure that the flavor of the wine or bread are not so overpowering that they compete with the flavor of the cheeses. Everything that you choose should allow the guest to appreciate that the cheese board has diversity. Fruit or nuts can be added to the board. They add subtle flavors that enhance the cheese.
When you present the cheese plate, be sure that there are different knives for each type of cheese. You do not want flavors to be mixed. Use a wide flat knife for soft spreadable cheeses and a very sharp knife for the hard cheeses.
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.
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 plate. 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 platter 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 dinner party soon. - 30241
A cheese platter is not just a cheese platter. It consists of cheeses that have been chosen very carefully and then prepared in a way to prepare the appetites of your guests. The plate can be served as either the appetizer, main course or even desert. Here are a few things to consider when preparing a cheese platter.
When selecting cheese, do not choose more than five different cheeses. Select cheeses that are of different textures, appearances and tastes. You can plan your cheese platter according to a theme, such as a country, different milks or even the seasons. The tastes on the plate should vary from mild to strong so that your guests can begin with the mildest and move up to the strongest. Make the cheese plate visually appealing by using different colors, shapes and sizes of cheese. Fresh fruit can be used to add a color splash.
You may want to accompany the cheese plate with wine or bread. They should complement the cheeses selected. Make sure that the flavor of the wine or bread are not so overpowering that they compete with the flavor of the cheeses. Everything that you choose should allow the guest to appreciate that the cheese board has diversity. Fruit or nuts can be added to the board. They add subtle flavors that enhance the cheese.
When you present the cheese plate, be sure that there are different knives for each type of cheese. You do not want flavors to be mixed. Use a wide flat knife for soft spreadable cheeses and a very sharp knife for the hard cheeses.
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.
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 plate. 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 platter 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 dinner party soon. - 30241
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.
