Cheese platters are an easy and impressive before dinner appetizer or a party snack. There are as many varieties of cheese platters as there are types of cheeses. For your first cheese platter it is a good idea to start with some of the traditional favorites. As you learn the different types and what goes well with what, you can expand your choices. This one will be a simple four cheese platter.
Instructions
1. Pick your cheeses.
If you have access to a specialty cheese store you will more than likely be able to get good advice from your local Cheesemonger (an expert in different cheeses). If you are shopping in a supermarket cheese section your basic cheese plate should represent each of the different milk types:cow, sheep and goat. Try to get one sharp, one mild, one light and one darker. Research the different flavors before you shop. Arrange the cheese on a plate from mildest to strongest. Remember, the cheese with the stinkiest smell is usually the strongest in flavor! Try to have one knife for each cheese.
2. Garnish the cheese platter:
A lovely cheese platter usually has a centerpiece. A nice cluster of grapes is perfect. Different colored olives in little bowls is a nice touch. Also, dried fruits and nuts of various kinds look nice. Just remember that the cheese is the star of the platter so nothing too fancy.
3. Select the Accompaniments:
Serve crackers that are on the bland side to show off the flavor of the cheese.
Crusty plain bread in thin slices goes well.
Sliced apples, pears and figs also go well with cheeses.
Tags: cheese platter, cheese plate, goes well, well with
