The Perfect Cheese Board

When....well, if.....I entertain, my favorite item to serve is an abundant cheese board. No cooking involved, just creative assembly,  not only with the display, but with the ingredients.
My massive vintage bread board ideally features the assortment du jour


What makes a good board? Here is an informative reference chart

One more ingredient not listed is Cornichons, the mini french pickle for a crisp tartness to offset a strong cheese.

Now onto the real goods.......the cheese, and this is where I become a massive snob.

Nope, this is not it, bricks of American processed cheese, sliced.
Love some of the American craft, unpasteurized cheese, but let's focus today on the French & British cheeses

As mentioned above, choose from soft, semi-firm, aged and bleu. If in Paris the most renown and awarded Fromagerie is Laurent Dubois, a line forms every morning

British Cheeses are equally interesting

Headed to London? Visit Paxton & Whitfield on tony Jerymn street
                         

This popular cheese monger holds two royal warrants, one from Her Majesty and His Highness, 

Prince Charles.

The mounding and spill over effect is reminiscent of a medieval feast. Choose items of many colors, and amass variety, it's a miniature piece of art. 

                                               CRANBERRY CHUTNEY

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup orange juice
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 juice orange, pitted and finely chopped (skin and all)
• 1 tart apple, cored and chopped
• 12 dried apricots, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups honey, approximately
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

PREPARATION

1. Place orange juice, cranberries and chopped orange in a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook over medium heat until berries begin to pop.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and cook about 10 minutes, until thick. Adjust sweetness if desired.

                                  Bon Appetite!

                                    Debra