The Bold and the Beautiful Cheese Plate

Appetizer, Cheese, Games Night

Difficulty: Easy Source:

Ingredients

Cheeses:

Aged Cheddar: Black Creek Cheddar

Aged Goat Cheese: Vermont Creamery Bonne Bouche

Roquefort: Papillon Organic Roquefort

Soft-Ripened Brie (with a rustic bloomy rind): Cellars at Jasper Hill Harbison


Accoutrements:

Honeycomb

Cornichons

Chocolate-covered nuts (Tip: look for Piedra des Lunas!)

Figs

Peruvian drop peppers

Dried fruit crisps and sliced bread

Directions

Let cheeses "breathe" for an hour before serving to enhance the flavors. They should be served at room temperature.

Label each cheese. This way your guests know what they’re enjoying.

Serve both bread and crackers. Different textures enhance the experience. Some favorites are crostini crackers, water crackers and the baguette.

Notes

Don’t be afraid to build your own cheese plate. Set yourself up for success by reading these eight tips first:
– Mix it up! Offer a selection of different styles of cheeses. Three to four options work, and plan on two ounces per person.
– Buy at the right time. Purchase cheeses just a day or two before your event so they are at their best.
– Don’t forget the savory details. Additions like olives, roasted nuts and marinated vegetables are key.
– Add some sweets. The sweetness in fruit complements the saltiness of cheese.