10 Tips To Make You A Cheese-Serving Expert
Nobody likes a cheese stickler, nobody, but now that the indoor entertaining season is upon us, there are some basic guidelines to follow when making a cheese plate. Show respect for the milk that has been aging for months or even years just for your enjoyment (slow clap for cheese curds) and follow these guidelines to avoid coming off as a cheese novice.
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Never Serve Cold CheeseThe cold temperature hinders the natural flavors and fragrance of the cheese. Plan ahead by taking your cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving.
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Leave The Rind OnRemember: most cheese rinds are technically edible — whether or not they are palatable is entirely up to the individual. *Exception: some hard and semi-hard cheeses (Gouda, Emmentaler and the like) can have an additional coat of wax, plastic or paraffin. This additional coating should be peeled away and discarded to expose the edible rind.
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Know Your KnivesDo you like goat cheese that tastes like gorgonzola with a hint of camembert? No? Ididn't think so. One knife for every portion of cheese is the standard. Bonus points if you have a hard and soft cheese knife, plus a plane. Why not invest in a set of cheese knives like these?
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Space Your Cheese ProperlyThere is no reason to try and fit as many different cheeses as you possibly can onyour spread, it just becomes awkward to cut. Then it's an awkward cheese-cutting party. Four is probably the ceiling, even for a large serving platter. Instead, try serving two smaller cheese plates.
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Trick Out Your Cheese Plate
Fine cheeses should be able to hold their own with minimal accompaniments, but the right one can also make or break the entire cheese-tasting experience by amplifying flavors in all the right places. Bread, butter (yup, butter on cheese) crackers, raw vegetables, cured meats, nuts, fruit and jams can all make great cheese companions. Discover your very own "signature pairing," and watch everyone eagerly try a bite of brie topped with half a cherry chased by a a hunk of salty buttered bread.
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