Cheese Entertaining Tips « Back

A beautiful cheese board, carefully balanced in taste, texture and color, makes a delightful and delicious presentation. For your next party, we invite you to discover the endless variety of American-made cow's milk cheeses.

Choose up to six cheeses of different varieties, types and styles. Inlcude contrasting flavors and textures, for example, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Havarti, Colby and aged Cheddar.

Allow for two to four ounces per guest depending on the other menu items you are serving.

Present a large wedge of each cheese to display its natural beauty.

Cut the remainder of the cheese while it's still cold. Start with a sharp, clean knife and begin cutting slices, triangles, cubes, sticks or wedges. To add holiday charm, cut cheese with small decorartive cookie cutters suitable to the season.

Arrange cheeses on dark, solid colored platters or boards for contrast. Use cheese markers to label each cheese. Use separate knives for each cheese to preserve flavors.

Remove cheese from refrigerator and let it sit, covered up to an hour before guests arrive, allowing it to slowly warm to room temperature.

Offer complimentary accompaniments such as assorted breads and crackers, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and olives.