The peaches right now in Northern California are at their peak So, when we had some friends over last night, that was the first thing I thought about for my cheese board... juicy, ripe peaches.
That's usually how I come up with my cheese or charcuterie boards... I just ask myself, What is in season and really delicious right now? Then I build around that flavor with other foods that will complement it and throw in some interesting textures for good measure.
Sound complicated? It's easier than you think..
Let's do this together... First, start with a board that works with the type of event you're having - a fancy board for a fancy dinner, or a rustic one for a casual dinner. What I used last night is actually a wooden cutting board turned upside down! Perfectly casual and rustic.
I knew that peaches had to be the star so I thought, 'What would go with a sweet and juicy peach?' It needs something that enhances that taste, like a salty cheese with some richness to balance the sweetness and acid of the fruit. I used a Dolce Gorgonzola or a "sweet" Gorgonzola, which is an Italian Blue cheese that is more delicate and creamy than a traditional blue cheese and is the perfect counterpoint for the peaches. I also added honey to my board to further enhance the creamy cheese and create another layer of flavor to the peaches.
Second thing to add to your board is some texture, like nuts or crispy crackers. Adding crunch to something creamy adds interest and makes a bite more interesting. Last night, I had cashews and pecans to add a crunchy texture to the board.
Third, add another cheese with a different consistency for variety. Since the Gorgonzola Dolce is creamy, I opted for a harder cheese that is mild and plays well with fruit. I chose Manchego which is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese that has a mild and nutty flavor. It is semi soft so it offers a different texture than the creamy Gorgonzola and keeps your board from becoming one note or one texture.
That's it. Pick a seasonal fruit you want to highlight, then choose a main cheese that is the opposite flavor so it will show off your fruit. Add some texture with nuts, crackers or crusty bread. Those components will be the anchor to your cheese board. Add one or more cheeses that offer a different texture to your first cheese and you will have an interesting board that will be pleasing for your guests.
What will you put on your cheese board this summer? Tell me in the comments section and please like this post! Happy eating!
That's usually how I come up with my cheese or charcuterie boards... I just ask myself, What is in season and really delicious right now? Then I build around that flavor with other foods that will complement it and throw in some interesting textures for good measure.
Sound complicated? It's easier than you think..
Let's do this together... First, start with a board that works with the type of event you're having - a fancy board for a fancy dinner, or a rustic one for a casual dinner. What I used last night is actually a wooden cutting board turned upside down! Perfectly casual and rustic.
I knew that peaches had to be the star so I thought, 'What would go with a sweet and juicy peach?' It needs something that enhances that taste, like a salty cheese with some richness to balance the sweetness and acid of the fruit. I used a Dolce Gorgonzola or a "sweet" Gorgonzola, which is an Italian Blue cheese that is more delicate and creamy than a traditional blue cheese and is the perfect counterpoint for the peaches. I also added honey to my board to further enhance the creamy cheese and create another layer of flavor to the peaches.
Second thing to add to your board is some texture, like nuts or crispy crackers. Adding crunch to something creamy adds interest and makes a bite more interesting. Last night, I had cashews and pecans to add a crunchy texture to the board.
Third, add another cheese with a different consistency for variety. Since the Gorgonzola Dolce is creamy, I opted for a harder cheese that is mild and plays well with fruit. I chose Manchego which is a Spanish sheep's milk cheese that has a mild and nutty flavor. It is semi soft so it offers a different texture than the creamy Gorgonzola and keeps your board from becoming one note or one texture.
That's it. Pick a seasonal fruit you want to highlight, then choose a main cheese that is the opposite flavor so it will show off your fruit. Add some texture with nuts, crackers or crusty bread. Those components will be the anchor to your cheese board. Add one or more cheeses that offer a different texture to your first cheese and you will have an interesting board that will be pleasing for your guests.
What will you put on your cheese board this summer? Tell me in the comments section and please like this post! Happy eating!
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