By Pattie Garrett
A cheese board is easy and quick to make. Using local products and a little creativity, make an impressive display of colors and flavors.
Cheese: Arrange cheese from different kinds of milk, cow, goat, and sheep, with a variety of texture such as soft, semi-soft, and hard. Include cheeses with different colors and cut them into shapes, cubes, wedges. Put crumbly cheeses in a small crock or ramekins. Some cheeses are best at room temperature and may need to be taken from the refrigerator an hour before serving.
Pairs: Although cheeses can stand alone, it’s always nice to offer some pairings such as neutral flavored crackers and baguettes.
Extras: Fill in the gaps with favorites like fresh fruit, jam, or cured meat. Even granola, bite-sized cookies, and chocolate may work.
Put It Together: Find a large wooden cutting board, marble or slate tray, even a fancy platter. The surface shouldn’t absorb the moisture from the cheese. Remember to include small spreaders, spoons, knives, and toothpicks. Leave enough space for your guests to pick from the items on the board. Add some garnishes, herb, or edible flowers. Let your cheese board show your creative side.
Cheese Board ingredients in the photos: Dancing Ewe’s Pecorino Fresco and Pecorino alle Noci, Argyle Cheese Farmer’s Glory and Basil and Garlic Cheese Curds, Moxie Ridge’s Herbes de Provence Chèvre, bread from Rock Hill Bakehouse, fresh melon from Burger’s MarketGarden, cherry tomatoes from Scotch Ridge Berry Farm, Grapes from Butternut Ridge Farm.
