Party Quick Fix: A Cheese Board--- Yum!

Still need a few ideas for your holiday get-togethers? A cheese board is fast and easy--- and who doesn't love cheese? Some cheeses are not cheap--- in fact, some are completely outrageous but sooo worth the expense. Get several large blocks of cheese for a cheese board or get 6-10 smaller blocks for a cheese tasting. For a tasting, label each cheese so guests can identify their favorite.

A a large cutting board works well for a cheese board---or a marble pastry slab, if you happen to have one. Add baskets of baguettes and different types of crackers or breadsticks and fruit that pairs well with your cheese assortment. Pears, apples, strawberries, cherries, and figs are delicious with cheese and they add color to your presentation as well. Shopping for cheese can be a bit overwhelming so here is a list of some of my favorites!

1. Manchego: Spain. This is my all-time favorite. I have noticed it in lots of stores lately so it must be increasing in popularity. Maybe that’s because I have served Manchego at every party, picnic, or tailgate I have hosted since my first trip to Spain in 1997. Get the Manchego that has been aged for twelve months. It is worth the price difference.
2. Saint Andre: France This soft, smooth triple cream cow’s milk cheese is on every single cheese board I present, also. It is almost like brie but the taste is smooth and creamy. Delicious when served with a fresh baguette and pear or apple slices, this one is really a crowd pleaser--- my friend Debbie absolutely loves it!
3. Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog: California A soft, ripened goat’s milk cheese that pairs well with honey and pears or wild mushrooms and earthy flavors.  
4. Valdeon: Spain An award winner for Spain’s best blue cheese, the distinctive sycamore leaf wrapping makes this cow and goat’s milk blue stand out in a crowd. It is a less intense blue cheese, perfect for a cheese board and paired with smoked or cured meats.
5. Quickes Farm Traditional Cheddar: England This is everything a good cheddar should be. The rich sharp flavor has a slightly spicy undertone. Everyone will ask about this one.
6. Amsterdam Reserve Gouda: Holland Gouda is a familiar favorite but this young cow’s milk variety is very creamy with a hint of honey and butterscotch.  
7. Cypress Grove Midnight Moon Goat Cheese: California Firm, dense, and smooth, this pale ivory cheese is a perfect compliment to cured meats and fruit.
8. Amadeus: Austria Buttery soft with a Havarti-like taste that is best paired with something sweet like figs or roasted meats like turkey and chicken.
9. Brillat Savarin: France Rich and buttery with a sweet but tangy taste, this triple cream brie is best served with grapes, apples, and pears.
10. Parmigiano Reggiano: Italy It is impossible to have a top ten list without this one. Most people think it is just for cooking or best grated over pasta, but it is wonderful alone or with crusty bread, dipped in good balsamic vinegar, and with olives. It has a complex nutty flavor and dense, slightly grainy texture.
11. Belle Chevre: Elkmont, Alabama This cheese should have been in my Top 10 and it's only because you can't find it everywhere that it isn't higher on the list--- but you can have it shipped almost anywhere. If you like goat cheese, this will be a favorite. Their marinated goat cheese made the Real Simple list of top gifts under $50. Try it!

Update on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 12:05PM by Martie Duncan

We were invited to participate in a segment yesterday on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama in Birmingham with Tasia from Belle Chevre on putting together a cheese board for easy holiday entertaining. A cheese board is one of those things you can just whip up fast when guests just show up. Yesterday we used Greek Kiss from Belle Chevre from Elkmont, Alabama, Piedmont from Wright Dairy, and a delicious triple cream Mt. Tam from Cowgirl Creamery. Add these to your list to try!