Something that is very popular among some crowds is the wine and cheese party. However in order to prepare correctly you’re going to need to know a few things. First off how do you prepare a cheese board in the correct manner? Plus many other questions that you may wonder, wondering how many cheese boards you need to prepare for the night, what drinks to serve and so much more information.
Overall no matter how many you plan to prepare it should be perhaps the easiest course for a party that you can prepare. All you really need is to find a good cheese merchant who you can get those cheeses from.
Now you need to figure that you’re going to serve at least three to five cheeses for your party. If you get more than that you’re going to confuse everyone’s palate, so stick with five cheeses at the most. Picking those cheese board cheeses should be fairly simple as long as you think of these guidelines to help out.
When you’re picking those cheeses out, look for varieties in texture, taste and appearance. One hint would be something like the softer and mild choice of Camembert, plus the sharp and semi-firm Maytag Blue, with that mild, hard and nutty cheese like Asiago.
Always pick goat cheeses for your cheese board, like semi-firm Cabrales, soft, fresh cheese like Montrachet, and finally the hard, whey cheese like Gjetost. Perhaps you can use a country theme for the cheeses that you pick. Like a Switzerland theme which could include the following cheeses.
Cave aged and hard Gruyere, semi-firm Emmentaler, the semi-hard, artisanal and apple cider cheese of Mostkaese, and the semi-soft choice of Tomme de Savoie. Or if you’re personal favorites are a nice variety you can put a cheese board together with those choices. Just make sure they have different taste, texture and appearance for that great cheese board look.
When you put things together to go with your cheese board make sure you don’t have anything that will detract from their flavors. Some great choices would be peaches, grapes, apples, pears, and even nuts. If you pick crackers and bread, make sure they have a mild flavor that will not take away from the cheese.
Of course wine and cheese are going to be served together. They are a combination that is expected, you wouldn’t make a jelly sandwich, but you would add peanut butter. Some combinations are just meant to be together, and wine and cheese are one of them. To pick the correct wines here are some hints to help out.
For your blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton you need a dessert wine, perhaps a port or Sauternes. Soft ripened cheese like Brillat-Savarin or Teleme will go the best with a Chardonnay. While those fresh cheeses like feta or goat are going to be best served with Pinot Noir or a Sauvignon Blanc. Finally aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gruyeres, or Cheddars should be served with Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even Burgundy.
When you set up your cheese board make sure that it’s large enough so there is enough room to arrange the cheeses. You don’t want them to touch so that the background color will stand through and people can see it. Leave that rind on your cheese, but have the wrapper removed. And make sure that all your cheeses are at room temperature.
Also have a knife that can be used for each cheese. Remember to use the appropriate type of knife for the texture of the cheese. With these ideas in place you can find that you will have a wonderful party.
There are many other fine examples of a good cheese board, but really it’s all about getting those three elements right. Have a difference in taste, texture, and appearance, and you’re going to have the perfect cheese board.
If you’re preparing more than one board through the night, don’t switch to more than five different cheese choices though. Remember providing too many different flavors will confuse the palate, and make the experience less memorable.
If you have guests who do not drink, make sure you provide some good alternatives for them. If you can find some good non-alcoholic choices that may work. But if you have any doubts about what to get, you should simple ask the guest before they show up. That way you will make sure that they will have a drink and be comfortable during your party.
A good cheese board party will be one that everyone will enjoy. They will get to taste cheeses that they may never have tried before. Giving them a way to expand their knowledge about at least one thing. People do love to learn about new things, and new tastes will also encourage them to continue trying other new cheeses.
Who knows maybe soon they will hold a party and ask you for ideas on a good cheese board. Help them out by lining them up with the right cheese vendor and they can have a great party too. If you have an idea of what they are serving, bring along a bottle of wine to go with them. It will be a great way to thank them for the party and also is just a really nice thought.
If you’re interested in setting up a cheese board and need more information, plenty is available online. Remember no more than three to five cheeses should be served at a party. You need to have different taste, texture and appearance for all your cheeses. If you want to plan a party that is based on a country, pick different cheeses from that country. We gave a good example for Switzerland cheeses that you can try.
Pick the correct wine to go along with the different type of cheese you have offered. If a guest isn’t positive about which wine will go with what cheese, let them know. Or make a general announcement so everyone will know. Get your cheese board ready and have a great time!
Filed under Cheese, How to prepare a cheese board by on Sep 28th, 2009. 
Things have been changing lately when it comes to entertainment. Due to a change in the economy, people aren’t going out as much as they used to. Instead of going out en masse to local bars and eateries, more people have taken it down a notch and are entertaining at home. Friends gather in each others homes to enjoy conversation, cheese, wine, great meals and make lasting memories. Because we’re entertaining more at home, it’s necessary to have the right tools to be a good host or hostess. You should invest in a good cheese board.
The great thing is that you can get beautiful kitchen and serving ware for really great prices these days. One thing that is essential and simply a must have to any kitchen and anyone who is going to be having parties at home is a cheese board. These pieces are functional and attractive. They serve a purpose and look great, will impress your friends and make the entire process of having a wine and cheese party much easier.
When you are looking for a cheese board, you can look just about anywhere. You’ll find all levels of quality cheese board in a variety of places. You can find them anywhere from your local dollar store to the big named, very expensive kitchen specialty stores. You can find them online and in wine shops, too. Cheese boards are durable and solid, at least when you purchase a good one.
If you’re in a pinch and feel that you simply must have one but don’t have much time to find one or money to spend on one, you have a few choices. First, you can go to a dollar sales store or local big box retailer to get one. While it may be simple looking and not very ornate, it will serve your purpose until you can get one that is a little more extravagant. Don’t worry about the quality if you’re not spending much money. Consider it a throw away and use it for one party, only.
You can always put it in the cupboard and use it at home, just for yourself and your family. When friends are going to be coming over, again, take the time and get online and order one that is more to your taste or go on a shopping trip to your favorite kitchen goods and accessories shop.
You can find a cheese board for pretty much every occasion. They are made from many different materials. The choice is purely personal preference. You’ll find cheese boards in materials such as heavy weight, durable plastic that can be used multiple times. You can use them for any kind of cheese, hard or soft. Because boards like these are made of such flexible materials, you can wash them quickly and easily.
Many of them can simply be rinsed off and then placed in the dish washer. How easy is that? If you’re the kind of person that enjoys sitting outside with your family in the evenings, watching the water in your back yard, sipping on a fine glass of wine and having a little snack before meal time, what better way to take care of your needs simply? A cheese board will serve as a cutting surface for you and as a serving dish, as well. You can get the kids to help, too.
Kids enjoy being able to help prepare meals and snacks and will love the ease of using a cheese board. They can learn how to arrange things so that they are aesthetically pleasing and will learn how to cut fine cheeses, too. You can let them select the different cheese and cracker selections and allow them to arrange everything on the board so that they can present it to you and the rest of the family. Your little chefs in training will simply love it.
You can also find cheese boards that are made of different types of wood. Keep in mind that just as with fine wines, wood comes into play as a very important role when it comes to cheese. Smoked cheeses and other varieties of soft cheeses may or may not be good to cut and serve on particular kinds of wood. Find out if the wood has been treated especially so that none of the grain comes into contact with your cheeses to keep from the flavor being contaminated.
You’ll find a large line of stone cheese boards, as well. These are beautiful and functional, as well. They are very sturdy and can be used for parties or in the back yard on a summer evening. Many times, you’ll see hostesses use a cheese board to serve other items at a party, as well. They are so functional that you can serve all sorts of appetizers on them. They are quick and easy to clean so you won’t spend lots of time in the kitchen preparing and cleaning up before, during or after your party or get together.
Your cheese board will be the hit of the party when you get bright, colorful or themed pieces. Make sure to keep consistent with the other pieces of serving china that you are using when you are trying to impress your friends and family. They’ll love your presentation and ask where you got such fantastic ideas. Don’t worry, it’s our secret.
Even if you purchase an expensive cheese board, you can typically drop them in the dishwasher to take care of clean up. You will truly enjoy serving your cheese, crackers and fruit on these great kitchen pieces. You can find cheese boards in all sorts of shapes, as well. You don’t have to go for the plain, boring, typical rectangular shape that used to be available to you. Now you can find a cheese board in literally any shape you would like.
When you want to have something special for your next party, particularly if it’s a wine and cheese party, a cheese board is a must for your kitchen.
Filed under Entertaining by on Sep 25th, 2009.
Homes need one important thing to have a complete and functional kitchen: a cheese board.
Cheese is a staple. Today, it’s not only Italians who dig for cheese–even other nations, such as the rest of Europe, Asia, and the United States. In fact, cheese is a favorite snack choice for those who don’t want to add a lot of pounds. It’s also the perfect way to end a good meal. Cheese can also be used to add more flavour into dishes, or perhaps to entertain guests during cocktails.
The Great Things about Cheese Boards
Because cheese is important, you need to pair it with a very good cheese board. This board, which can come from different materials, can be used to efficiently and conveniently prepare various types of cheese for your guests. Knives can easily glide through into the cheese and directly into the cheese board without any problem.
When you’re done cutting the different cheeses, you can then arrange them right into the cheese board. Thus, the latter serves as your immediate cheese tray. There are also a lot of cheese boards that come with other features such as slicer, knives, and even cracker holders.
Options
As mentioned, a cheese board can come from different things. Though all of them work well, they have their own merits that make each one stand out. When you’re shopping for a cheese board, you may want to pay attention to the following:
Marble
Marble is one of the oldest stones that are used for so many things. When it was first discovered, it was then used by Greeks and Romans to build their temples, buildings, sculptures, and other important edifices.
By definition, marble is a kind of dolomite or limestone. When these types of stones are exposed to different conditions such as heat or high pressure, they would become crystals, which are the basic components of marble. Marble is easily detected because it is very shiny, polished, or smooth to touch.
A marble cheese board also has the same polished and clean characteristic–and more. Marble doesn’t hold off moisture, which is something you want to get rid of from your cheese. It also doesn’t allow whatever odor the cheese has to stay permanently on your cutting board. It also doesn’t permit grease to build up. Simply put, a marble cheese cutting board is easier to clean and maintain. There are also different shades of marbles that you can choose from, and if you have an elegant kitchen, this type of cheese board is a great addition.
Wood
Wood has always been a favorite building material. Do you remember Noah’s ark? Wood can be used to build a house, furniture, and almost everything that you can think of. Thus, it’s not surprising to find a wooden cheese cutting board.
A wooden cheese cutting board can go well for a home with country-style setting. You can also buy this if you’re looking for a cheaper board for yourself.
Nevertheless, there are two things that you have to remember when you’re choosing wooden cheese boards. These are durability and reliability. You don’t want your wooden cheese boards to hold on to moisture. You also want to ensure that it doesn’t’ suffer from premature decay or deterioration. Hence, look for those that are made from very strong woods such as beech.
Slate
Slate is a metamorphic rock. It is originally a sedimentary rock that combines with volcanic ashes or clay. Slate is usually colored gray, though today, it’s possible for you to find wide varieties of shades.
This rock is used for different reasons. Like marbles, slates can also be used in creating different structures. However, they are most valued for their ability to retain heat and to not alter the general composition of any substance. They are also very durable.
A slate cheese board therefore has the ability to keep your cheese warm and fresh at all times. Some of these boards have velvets as base to ensure that you can move them without causing scratches into your marble or granite countertops, tables, or other hard and shiny surfaces.
Buying a Cheese Board
You won’t have any difficulty in buying a cheese board. There are already so many online and offline shops that are offering them. There are also so many brands to choose from.
What you should be concerned about is how you can have the most ideal cheese cutting board for your home. Here are some tips:
Know the different kinds of cheese cutting boards. You can simply refer to the list of materials above. You simply have to pick the one that you think would satisfy your need or preference.
Determine the number of guests. Cheese boards can also differ in sizes and shapes. Of course, the smaller ones mean that you can only have at least three different kinds of cheeses on your tray. Bigger ones can accommodate more. Moreover, circular cheese cutting boards will mean smaller spaces on where to put your cheeses. However, you will be able to serve them with style. If you want to maximize space, look for rectangular or square cheese boards.
Check other add-ons. A lot of these cheese boards are not stand alone. This means that there are other things that you can get once you decide to purchase them. For instance, most of the cheese boards have accompanying cheese knives. They have their own handles attached to the board, so you won’t need to spend time looking for cutting devices. You can also bring the knives together with the board to your guests and allow them to cut their desired cheese for themselves.
There are also others that have holders for cheese pairs, such as crackers or bread. These features may cause the price of the cheese board to increase. You just have to weigh if the extra options would be beneficial to you or not.
One quick note: if you want to make the most out of your cheese board, learn the art and technique of preparing cheese.
Filed under Materials to make cheese boards from by on Sep 25th, 2009.
Are you interested in preparing a cheese board and you are afraid that you are going to mess up? Perhaps you are looking to prepare it to finish a meal, as a first course or you need one for cocktails, it does pay to put in some effort when you are preparing that cheese board. Would you believe it if we told you that it does not take much effort in planning and preparing it? In order to prepare a good one, finding a great cheese merchant is a must. Many do not realize it, but preparing one of these boards is one of the easiest courses. Below, we are going to give you some guidelines that you can use the next time you plan on preparing a cheese course for that party.
First of all, you need to put some effort in the type of cheeses you choose. You should plan on a serving of three to five different cheeses. When you choose to have any more cheese on your board, it may end up confusing your guests. You should always make sure you include a variety of different tastes. Also include varieties of different appearances and texture. What would an interesting selection be? Well, an interesting selection, in our opinion, would consist of a mild, soft cheese such as a Camembert along with a mild, hard, nutty cheese like the Asiago. Also, a sharp, semi0firm cheese such as Maytag Blue should be in there. You could also choose to build up your selection around a certain theme.
If you would like, you could add in all goat cheeses. This would consist of Cabrales, which is a blue cheese that is semi-firm. Montrachet is a fresh, soft cheese and Gjetost is a hard whey cheese.
Selecting a country for the theme sounds like a great idea. As an example, you could prepare a cheese board that is comprised of cheese that comes from Switzerland. This could include Emmentaler, whichis the traditional, semi firm cheese. Gruyere is a hard, cave-aged cheese that is very popular in Switzerland. Also, don’t forget about Tomme de Savoi, which is semi soft and Mostkaese, which is semi hard.
As long as you are capable of putting a variety together, then there will be nothing wrong with adding in some of your personal favorites. Now, the next question is, what do you accompany the cheese on the board with? Well, many individuals choose to add some crackers and bread on the board. Although, the crackers and bread you choose to add to the board should not have any strong flavors to them. Why is this? Well, when you have bread and crackers that have strong flavors, then it is going to take away from the taste of the different cheeses.
Do you know what else goes great with cheese? Personally, we enjoy putting grapes and peaches on our cheese board. However, we know other individuals that include apples and pears on theirs. From time to time, we also enjoy putting nuts on the board along with the cheese as they are great accompaniments.
How do you feel about pairing the cheese board with wine? In our opinion, we believe it is a great compliment as wine goes well with anything. Especially a cheese board. Some individuals feel intimidated when it comes to picking the perfect match to go along with their cheeses. In the next paragraphs, we are going to give you some examples on what you could pair your cheese with.
When you use blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Stilton, you will find that it goes great with desert wines such as Ports and Sauternes. When you have those fresh cheeses such as feta or goat, then Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc would be a great choice. Now, for those soft ripened cheeses such as Brillat or Teleme, you will find that they go great with Chardonnay. Do you have aged cheeses such as Cheddars and Grueres? If so, then Burgundy or Zinfandel will go great with the board you are preparing.
What exactly are these cheeses going to be served on? Well, serving them on a platter or a tray that is large enough to keep them from touching each other would be a great idea. You should also make sure you choose a platter or a tray that has a contrasting background color. When you place the cheeses on the tray or platter, you need to make sure you remove the wrapped. However, you should always leave the rind on them. When you are serving them, you should bring them to room temperature.
For each piece of cheese, we highly suggest you including its own knife. When it comes to those soft cheeses, you will find that they are easy to cut. However, they are so easy to cut through that you will be able to cut them with a simple butter knife. If you have cheese that is spreadable, then you should choose something that has a wider blade on it. For those firmer types of cheese, you will find it hard to cut with a butter knife, so choosing a sharper knife will be an absolute must.
Where do you plan on serving your cheese board at? Do you plan on serving it at a wedding or an office party? Whatever you do, we highly recommend you learning about the different types of cheeses that you can add to the board. You do not want to make a mistake of mixing cheeses together that do not go so well. Also, many individuals enjoy cheese that is a bit on the spicy side, but there are others out there that are not able to tolerate spicy things. We believe you should avoid serving spicy cheeses as people who cannot tolerate it may not know that it is spicy and eat it. In the end, when you spend some time on the board, we know that you are going to get some great compliments after the party.
Filed under Choosing a cheese board by on Sep 25th, 2009.
In the United States of America cheese is served as a starter, in France before dessert and United Kingdom as a grand finale to the perfect meal. A cheese board has become a sophisticated, stylish and welcome delicacy not matter the time or occasion.
When considering an at home feast, a cheese board can either be as simple or extravagant as you as the host wants it to be, but you should acknowledge that preparing the perfect board can be a true work of an art. My exclusive list of cheese board tips is designed with the aim to help you choose, present and of course enjoy all cheeses available on the market to their fullest.
Portions- It recommended that you plan to serve anything from three to five cheeses. Any more will just plain confuse your guests as well as their fine tasting palates.
Cheese examples- Go for a combination of taste, texture and appearance. An interesting selection will include soft, mild cheese such as Camembert; a hard, nutty yet mild cheese for example Asiago, and a semi-hard, strong cheese for example Maytag. Prefer something a little simpler, yet interesting? Try these three selections: one soft cheese such as Brie, Camembert, one firm cheese for example Cheddar and one blue cheese maybe Roquefort. Want to expand your offerings? Cheese with a spreadable texture is perfect. These include fresh cheese such as chevre or an extraordinary cheese with a little flavour in the form of wine, spices or herbs. For a creative twist, your cheese board can be built around a specific theme. You may want to offer cheeses made from different milks ranging from cow, sheep and goat or cheeses from a particular area or country. You can also putting together a collection of your own favourites just as long as variety reigns supreme in your selection.
Important features- If you plan to have guests cut their own cheese portions, remember to provide a separate knife for each variety. Do not serve all your cheese choices in similar shapes. Use rectangles, circles and rectangles, preferably in chunks of the same size. Service at room temperature is of utmost importance. Only mildly-flavoured crackers or crusty bread should be used for cheeses with a texture that’s either spreadable or crumbly, including blue or Camembert. The purpose of the bread or crackers is to bring out the cheese’s flavour, not kill it. Semi-soft cheeses for example Colby can also be cubed, with toothpicks supplied or squared and served with crackers. At least one of the mentioned cheese varieties should always be added, as they are distinct not only in flavourful but also colour and in general are easier to pinpoint. Should you decide on a cheese that waxed or skinned, for example Edam, the covering should remain intact, presented in wedges or as a full circle with a single piece removed, to expose the cheeses’ delectable centre. If you want to add pizzazz to your cheese board opt for messy, sticky blue cheeses. Their boldness is a fantastic flavourful complement to the milder cheeses.
Purchase Tips- If you plan to serve the board as an appetiser or course, approximately 70g cheese per person will do or if it’s going to form part of a main meal, plan on approximately 200g per person. On a budget? Invest in a couple top quality cheeses instead of a load of lesser quality. A cheese board should be an exciting and of course memorable experience- common cheeses are a big no-no. Opt for cheeses that are new to your guests or even new on the cheese market.
Presentation- After the all important cheese selection has been made, presentation in awe inspiring way needs to follow. Start off by choosing a tray or platter in appropriate size, which will keep different shape and size cheeses from mixing or touching. Boards made from wood are the number one choice, with marble following close behind as the preferred choice when it comes to elegance, offering a surface that just cool enough for the cheese and a wonderfully contrasting background colour to make cheeses appear a lot more striking not to mention appealing.
Arrangement tip- A very important tip when it comes to arranging your selections, is to ensure the tit-bits are displayed in a manner making them super accessible to guests. Pack small sized cheeses in the middle, with soft cheeses around them. Harder cheeses should preferably placed on the outside of the board to make cutting easier.
Serving suggestions- What will an edible artwork be without beautiful, natural garnishment? Try parsley, basil, grapes, tomatoes, celery sticks, sundried tomatoes, berries or peach slices to add essential colour and flavour to the board. Offer olives, pickled vegetables and lightly roasted nuts in separate dishes or even a selection of breads, biscuits and crackers that aren’t overwhelming. Again, the it’s recommended that you steer clear from common, old favourites and that you treat your guests something extraordinary. A slice or two of tangy dough or biscuits in a pepper flavour are also a great serving suggestion.
Anything to drink? – Prefer classic beverages? Go for beer, cocktails and wines. Cheeses normally go well with light wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, blue cheeses with deeper selections such as Port, and aged cheeses with Burgundy. For an added touch of class different wine can be offered for each cheese. If you are in doubt when it comes to perfect partners, a wine from same region as the cheese is your best bet.
More serving tips- Remove cheese wrapping, but remember to leave rind. Serve cheese at room temperature to ensure best flavour and remember every cheese should have its own knife as to avoid flavour mixing.
After-party storage- Storage after-party is just as important as before and during your event. Store the cheese board in a cool place that’s also immaculately clean. Discard any soft cheeses, wrap-up and hard cheeses to keep in the fridge until your next cheese board. Should remaining cheese be too minimal or weirdly shaped to use again for a board, pieces can be used as part of a range of a great cheese recipe.
Filed under Cheese by on Sep 23rd, 2009.