Classic Cheese Platter

Entertaining at home needs to be easy.

Impromptu gatherings should be only -

Open fridge - grab a few things
Open cupboard - grab a few things
Assemble on a platter
Serve with a smile.

A common go-to party pleaser (especially for all the wine lovers out there) is a cheese platter and there are so many different types of cheese, crackers and accompaniments available today that it may seem a little overwhelming when you have to pull it together at the last minute.

If you know that a cheese platter may be your entertaining go-to of the season, stock up on a variety of cheeses to keep in your refrigerator at all times.

You don't have to serve the entire pre-wrapped block each time - only cut a chunk of what you need to serve that day. Wrap the remaining cheese well and store in your refrigerator for needed refills later on or for the next get-together.

To be ready for anything (and anyone)...here is a my go-to Pantry List for you to use as a checklist to creating unique and beautiful cheese platters...

Smoked or spiced nuts
Crackers: Plain and flavoured.
Sliced Baguettes: Freeze them in resealable freezer bags. To serve, defrost and toast.
Cheese Straws: They stay fresh as long as crackers do.
Assorted Dried Fruit

In your refrigerator, you can also have on hand...

fruit preserves
assorted savoury spreads (like the extra Agrodolce Onion topping?)
olives & pickles
preserved vegetables
mustards
fresh fruit (grapes, berries)
fresh herbs (basil, mint, chives)

For after dinner, turn a platter into a European-style sweet spread. Serve the cheeses alongside other treats to satisfy that "after-dinner sweet tooth".

Biscotti
Scottish Shortbread
Cookies
Pound cake cut into cubes. (Store in freezer.)
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Brandied Cherries
Chocolates
Toffee or Brittle
More fresh fruit, including harder fruits like apples to slice just before serving

NOW...for the set-up...

1. Start with a board or platter 3 TIMES the size of the assortment of cheeses, if possible. That way, all of the accompaniments can be together on the same board for easy transport, if needed.

2. For a classic cheese assortment, select 1 of each of the following categories of cheese - and then double-up on one category if you know it will be a favourite...

Soft rind cheese (brie, camembert, soft goat etc.)
A medium, stronger cheese (old or classic cheddar, gouda, flavoured havarti, etc.)
Something pungent or strong (blue, old goat cheese, something spicy or stinky)
A hard cheese (parmigiano, romano, etc.)

3. Arrange them front and center of the platter so that your guests only have to reach the one side to serve themselves.

4. From your pantry, choose a few items to serve along with the cheese - 2 or 3 types of crackers and/or baguettes, some nuts (if there are no allergies) and some dried fruit. Arrange around the cheeses, leaving a little room for the final touches.

5. From your refrigerator, choose 2 "toppers" for your cheese - perhaps a mustard and a fruit preserve. Spoon some of each into small bowls and tuck in near the cheese(s) that will best compliment them.

6. Finish your platter by adding small clusters of grapes, fresh berries, cheese knives, spoons or spreaders for your "toppers", a sprig of fresh basil or mint.

Place a stack of small plates, napkins and small forks next the platter and you are done!

NOTE: If your platter or board is too small to accommodate everything together, separate out the crackers and baguette into a separate serving basket or bowl and add the nuts to a separate bowl as well.