As somebody who as soon as taught a category completely dedicated to Evening Cheese, I like (LOVE) the cheese plate. However what’s simpler and extra expressive than a cheese plate? Only one massive cheese served.
Nonetheless, not each cheese can stand alone. To ensure that the cheese to develop into salty, it have to be so scrumptious that get together friends do not even understand there’s just one selection of cheese. And he must be bodily massive—if he will be the focal point, he should not be shy about taking over house.
Assume cheeses like Harbison’s gooey mustard (deliver it to room temperature!), it is simply St. Stephen’s butter, or a easy piece of Parma.
However my favourite One Huge Cheese? Cabot Creamery’s three-year-aged cheddar, particularly an enormous two-pound block from Costco.
This cheese does all of it. It suits properly into the Venn diagram between “oh, this tastes like one thing I do know” and “oh, it is just a little unfamiliar in a really good means.” I served it (with crackers) for my son’s fifth birthday final month. All night, adults got here as much as me, requested what sort of “beautiful” cheese it was and advised me how a lot they appreciated it. Kids additionally performed.
Think about common grocery retailer cheddar if it was evenly caramelized or grilled. It is nutty and nuanced, however extraordinarily cheddar. I’ve by no means met anybody who might resist.
After I dare to serve one other cheese to my five-year-old, he instantly asks why I did not give him “good cheddar” (like mom, like son?). And my two-year-old loves it virtually as a lot as one other bulk Costco buy: this big jar of capers.
However this cheddar is not only a get together cheese. As a result of it takes so lengthy, it has an extended shelf life (low humidity!), so it may keep within the fridge for months (useful given its dimension, however er, we undergo it fairly rapidly anyway). I’ve used it for numerous WFH dinners – as a fast quesadilla or rubbed on any leftovers that want just a little zing. Gown it up, costume it up, Cabot 3-Yr Cheddar is the little black costume of the massive field dairy.
What do you serve at conferences? Obtained some professional ideas? We additionally love a lightweight dinner and a barely chaotic breakfast!
Carrie Polis is an editorial guide and content material strategist residing in Washington, DC together with her husband and two sons. She additionally has a bulletin: cheese, ebook, restaurant, factor.
PS A helpful information to creating the right cheese plate, birthday cheese and the perfect get together appetizer of all time.
(Photograph by David Williams for Cup of Jo.)
