From Rachel's Kitchen: The Art of the Cheeseboard

No one takes cheeseboards more seriously than me.

I think, in another life, I was meant to be a mouse -

because I just can't get enough of the stuff.

Since its not good for the caboose 

(I'm sorry- I hate to be the bearer of bad news,

but as much as I love it, it IS fattening!)

I have definitely cut back on my intake of the stuff

and limit it to special occasions.

Like date night. And wine night.

And all days ending in "Y".

(Just kidding)

So, I want to teach you the 'art' of the cheese plate 

or platter, if you will - because you want to 

not only make it look good,

but include items that mesh well and 

compliment eachother! 

First you need a wood cutting board

to serve as your platter or base.

Sure, you can use any serving platter,

but I tend to think wood is the nicest presentation.

It makes all your fruit, cheese, bread, nuts, 

and accompaniments pop.

You can find some nice ones here:

Bamboo Chop Block

Next, you'll need to locate your local cheese shop,

and drop by for a tasting (or three).

I am a frequent visitor of the Babylon Cheese Cellar,

 but if you don't have one local, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods

also have a wonderful selection.

Some of my favorite cheese cheeses

are the sharp ones that pair well with red wine.

Check out:

* parmesan reggiano

* creamy Italian toscano cheese

(Trader Joe's has amazing ones 

dipped in cinnamon, syrah, or cracked black pepper,

depending on your mood!)

* aged gouda (Try 'Midnight Moon')

You'll want a selection of 2-4 cheeses, depending on how 

many guests you're having and your board size.

Obviously you don't want all cheese,

so if your board or gathering is smaller,

opt for 1-2 cheeses, maybe one soft and one hard.

Or one mild and one pungent. 

The key here is variety,

so there is something for everyone.

If you stop in to the Babylon Cheese Cellar,

tell my favorite cheeseman Anthony,

Rachel says hi! I am a VIP customer.

Don't forget some meat,

which most cheese shops offer!

Favorites are: prosciutto, salami, soppressata, and speck.

My favorite place to buy is the Crushed Olive in Huntington

or the Babylon Cheese Cellar in Babylon,

which stocks fabulous selections of

cheese, Italian meats, crackers, dips, balsamic + olive oil.

ONE STOP SHOP, baby! :)

Next, you'll want some fruit to compliment your cheese.

I love anything crisp - so apples are my favorite.

Usually the green, Granny Smith ones

 work because they are tart.

However, you can use anything you want.

Grapes, dried apricots, and mixed berries

are fan favorites.

Mix berries are nice if you are going to drizzle

a syrupy balsamic syrup on top

like this one from Trader Joe's. 

You'll also want some crusty bread

or crackers. I love thinly sliced

fresh Italian bread, but you can use any

crackers or bread you like. 

Remember, you'll want something basic 

so you don't have too many flavors going on. 

I love this Kalamata Olive bread from Gemelli's in town,

but I steer away from it with my cheeseboard.

Depending on your cheeses, 

the flavors might not gel well, 

so the more basic - the better.

That way people can mix and match.

I also always throw nuts on the chopping block

(ha ha, well -- I'll let you run with that!)

Candied walnuts and pecans are my favorite,

but salted nuts can be just as appropriate.

Marcona Almonds are very popular

on charcuteries, and go nicely with honey.

Lots of meat +  cheese shops sell them -

they are my favorite!

Which brings me to my final items-

dips, garnishes, and such.

I love honey and jams on my board in

small, white little serving dishes (see photo above).

However, I once bought a roasted red pepper dip

that people raved over from the 

The Crushed Olive in Huntington.

If you are local,

I highly recommend stopping in there 

to try some of their delicious 

flavored balsamic vinegars and olive oils.

To. Die. For.

Remember,

presentation is key.

So keep everything in their respective sections

and feel free to buy labels like the ones

below so that your guests can see what

they are tasting!

I also love these mini chalkboards

that are inexpensive and I use for everything! :)

Pair with your favorite reds and whites.

Buon Appetite!

Check out some of my favorite little 

Wine + Cheese contraptions for Joss & Main:

7 Piece Fromage Cheese Market Set

Marble Cheese Slicer

5 Piece Butler's Cheese Set

Medallion Stemware Set

And ofcourse a cheese & wine pairing book,

like Fiona Beckett's Cheese Course

Hope you get as much pleasure

out of entertaining and throwing 

a little wine soiree as much as I do...

if not, wait to be invited. :)

xo,

Rach