Here is a idea for your next party that is both simple and elegant. It does not require extraordinary amount time 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 evening event.
A cheese plate should be more than just a platter of cheese. It needs to be carefully chosen and prepared in order to whet the appetites of you guests. If the cheese plate is served as the appetizer, the main course or even as desert, you should consider the following when deciding on the cheese board.
When selecting cheese, do not choose more than half a dozen different cheeses. Select cheeses that are of different textures, appearances and tastes. You can plan your cheese board according to a theme, such as a country, different milks or even the seasons. The tastes on the platter should vary from mild to strong so that your guests can begin with the mildest and move up to the strongest. Make the cheese board visually appealing by using different colors, shapes and sizes of cheese. Fresh fruit can be used to add a color splash.
[I:http://www.uniquearticlewizard.com/extras/pics/markknowlesimage0.jpg]Accompany the plate with wine and bread. Choose these elements to complement the cheeses that you have selected. Be sure that their flavors are not so strong that they compete with the cheese, but rather complement it. Choose everything so that your guests can appreciate the diversity of the cheese board. Fruit and nuts will add more subtle flavors to the cheese plate and enhance the flavors of the cheese.
When you present the cheese board, 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.
Most cheeses taste best when at room temperature so make plans to allow the cheese plate to reach that temperature. It will take at least one hour (longer for hard cheeses) for the cheese to reach room temperature. Watch softer cheeses so that they do not become too soft. Keep the cheeses covered while they are brought to room temperature. You do not want them to dry out and discolor. Remove the wraps just before serving the cheese platter.
While the cheese platter is easily prepared, it offers a touch of elegance to any meal. As the host, it gives you both an artistic and a creative challenge. It offers a taste treat to your guests. Be sure to add a cheese plate to your next cocktail party.
