A cheese course is about observing and enjoying contrasting and complementary flavors. There are no hard and fast rules. First, select 3 – 5 cheeses of varying textures (soft, firm, hard) and flavors (mild, tangy, earthy, pungent, spicy and nutty, to name a few). Perhaps sample cheese made from different milks (cow, goat, sheep). Next, experiment and discover your favorite combinations by using these recommendations for traditional food and beverage matches as a starting point for an impressive (yet, oh so easy) gourmet cheese course.
Bread/Crackers - Bread such as a baguette and plain or mildly flavored crackers serve to cleanse the palate.
Fruits such as apples, figs, pears, grapes, berries, nectarines and melon are traditional accompaniments as their juicy and/or crisp textures contrast with the cheese. Their sweetness provides a counterpoint to the salty flavors of cheese.
Dried fruits offer a chewy texture that contrasts with harder cheese.
Fruity jams, pastes, and chutneys also provide sweet and sometimes savory notes.
Toasted nuts enhance the nuttiness of the cheeses. Try toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios or hazelnuts.
Olives - The briny flavor of olives contrasts with the richness of the cheeses.
Cured meats such as prosciutto add a salty and textural difference.
Beverages are meant to cleanse the palate. Wines and other drinks should match the intensity of the flavor of the cheese. Non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juices, ciders and coffee can be served.
Watch Sara Kahn, founder of The Cheese Ambassador, offer up more wine & food pairing tips for the perfect gourmet cheese course.
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