One of my absolute favorite things is to entertain. I love
the process of planning along with the actual preparation and execution. Have one to two other couples over is the
perfect party. You can actually carry on
a meaningful conversation and truly enjoy each others company. Rather than sitting down in the dining room
table, I have found that starting in the kitchen and then moving to the family
room to get a bit more comfy is my preferred route.
Last weekend we had some new friends over for appetizers and
wine. We met them through the website
NextDoor and they live about 4 minutes from us.
I love that in today’s world technology is a way to meet new people and
build lasting friendships. I have
prepared individual cheese plates in the past and they are always a hit. The presentation is special and guests can
move at their own pace tasting all of the combinations of flavors. Hubby gave me “The Art of the Cheese Plate”
by Tia Keenan for Christmas. While I was
looking though it, I gained massive inspiration.
I had purchased many years ago from Cost Plus World Market,
the rectangular plates that were perfect to service these individual cheese
plates. I went to WholeFoods (WF) to pick
up the majority of the items with some coming from Trader Joe’s (TJ) and the
crackers were from Safeway (S). Starting
from the top I sliced some Cave Aged Gruyere (WF) along with the Almond Fig
Cake and next to it was a dollop of my handmade Balsamic Fig Jam. Next I found
some Point Reyes Blue Cheese (WF) and drizzled with honey (TJ). The 5 year aged
Gouda (WF) is simply divine with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon and a bite of
Candied Walnuts (WF). To round out the
plate, I took inspiration from Spain
and added a couple slices of Manchego (TJ) and adorned it with Quince Paste
(WF) and Truffle Marcona Almonds (TJ).
The crackers are from a local bakery in the North bay called – Rustic
Bakery. If you can’t find them locally
where you live, click here to order online.
Trust me – they are some of the BEST crackers you will ever have.
I served the individual cheese plates with a bottle of
Cabernet Sauvignon from Teeter-Totter.
This wine has a punch of fresh blackberry and mocha along with subtler
notes of thyme, violet, lavender, pomegranate, spices and smoke which leave you
with a delightful feeling.
This is my new favorite way to entertain and is a show
stopper for your friends. Let me know
what combinations you come up with.
Cheers!!
Fabulous
ReplyDeleteGreat article! I love individual cheese plates! WF has great cheeses - I usually pick up several varieties from creamy to firm, and mix cow and goat. WF has a great olive selection as well that I like to add. For the honey - WF carries the honey with the comb in it...looks and tastes amazing! I always love seeing how other people do their plates - yours looks amazing!
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