Entertaining With Cheese

Mix it up.  Use 2 or 3 differing types of cheeses and consider texture, shape and color.  Like one blue wedge, one goat pyramid and one harder type, like a cheddar our aged gouda.  Be sure to remove the wrapper, but always leave the rind on the cheese.

Go global.  Pick a theme, like Mediterranean, American Farmstead, Vermont, Spanish or French.  you could do all cow's milk cheeses or a variety of goat's milk cheeses from the Loire Valley.

Knock on wood.  Your cutting board can make all the difference in your presentation, so find an attractive wooden board for cutting and display.  Consider interesting shapes and grains, like olive wood or a local artisan made board.

No Ritz zone. Interesting breads or crackers can bring out the true flavors of cheese.  There aren't many crackers made just for cheese-Daelia's Biscuits for Cheese is one of them and their unique shape and colorful presentation make them a perfect addition to your board.  They don't crumble like most wheat crackers, so your cheese tray stays neat and tidy.

Go nuts.  Toasted walnuts or Marcona almonds add a bit of crunch and complement the cheeses very well.

Fruit pursuit.  A well rounded cheese board will have some fruit.  Grapes are easy to grab and wont' turn brown like cut fruit.  Fresh figs are fun when their in season.  

Separation of cheese on plate.  Use separate knives for each cheese so that the cheeses aren't comingling on the palate.  Less messy. More appetizing.

Vegetative state.  Add some crunchy vegetables for color and to cleanse the palette.  Fresh celery sticks are easy to find and look great.  Cornichons , the miniture French pickles, are cool too.

Like eHarmony for wine and cheese.  Pairing the right wine with the right cheese is big, but don't stress.  If you serve your cheese board after dinner then a dessert wine is probaly appropriate.  If serving at cocktail hour, offer your guests beer and wine that match your chosen theme.

Serve warmly.  Always sere your cheeses and accompaniements at room temperature.  Remove the wrap, especially if it is in plastic and cover with a clean dish towel while bringing to room temperature for one hour.