Name: Artisanal Cheese Plate
Prep time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 5.3 oz Triple Cream Brie; 5.3 oz Aged Manchego (12-month); 5.3 oz English Cloth-Bound Cheddar; 3.5 oz Gorgonzola Dolce; 4 oz Prosciutto di Parma; 0.5 cup Marcona Almonds; 3 tbsp Fresh Honeycomb or Fig Jam; 4 pieces Fresh Figs or Sliced Pears; 1 box Assorted Artisanal Crackers; 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Sprigs for Garnish

"Elevate your hosting game with this meticulously curated selection of world-class cheeses ranging from creamy bries to sharp aged cheddars. Accompanied by seasonal fruits, artisanal crackers, and sweet-savory preserves, this platter is designed to ignite the senses and spark conversation."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
5.3 oz 150 g	Triple Cream Brie
5.3 oz 150 g	Aged Manchego (12-month)
5.3 oz 150 g	English Cloth-Bound Cheddar
3.5 oz 100 g	Gorgonzola Dolce
4 oz 115 g	Prosciutto di Parma
0.5 cup 75 g	Marcona Almonds
3 tbsp 45 ml	Fresh Honeycomb or Fig Jam
4 pieces 4 pieces	Fresh Figs or Sliced Pears
1 box 150 g	Assorted Artisanal Crackers
3 sprigs 3 sprigs	Fresh Rosemary Sprigs for Garnish

2 Instructions

Step 1. Temper the cheese: Remove all cheeses from the refrigerator at least 30 to 60 minutes before serving. Cheese tastes best and has the correct texture at room temperature.

Step 2. Prepare the board: Choose a large wooden board or slate platter. Start by placing the cheeses in different areas of the board to create anchor points. Keep them in their whole blocks or wedges for aesthetic, or pre-slice harder cheeses like Manchego into triangles.

Step 3. Add accompaniments: Place small bowls of fig jam, honeycomb, or olives directly onto the board. These act as secondary anchors.

Step 4. Arrange charcuterie: Fold the Prosciutto di Parma into 'ribbons' or 'roses' and tuck them into the gaps between the cheeses.

Step 5. Fill the gaps: Cluster the Marcona almonds, fresh figs, and grapes in the remaining empty spaces. Ensure a variety of colors are placed next to each other.

Step 6. Final touches: Add the crackers and sliced baguette around the edges or in a separate basket. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a fragrant, professional finish.

·
Always provide a separate knife for each cheese to avoid flavor cross-contamination, especially for blue cheeses.
·
Follow the 'Rule of Three': include one soft, one firm, and one hard or blue cheese for a balanced variety.
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Use odd numbers of items (e.g., 3 cheeses or 5 cheeses) as it is more visually appealing to the human eye.
·
Add a touch of acidity like cornichons or pickled onions to cut through the richness of the fats.

? Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a cheese plate sit out?

A cheese plate can safely sit out for up to 2 hours. After this, soft cheeses may become too runny and hard cheeses may begin to 'sweat' or dry out.

Can I make a cheese board in advance?

Yes, you can arrange the cheeses and meats up to 4 hours in advance. Wrap the entire board tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge, but add crackers and nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

What is the best wine to pair with this board?

A versatile choice is a dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc. For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir complements both the creamy Brie and the salty Prosciutto.

How much cheese should I buy per person?

For an appetizer, aim for 2 to 3 ounces of cheese per person. If the cheese plate is the main event, increase that to 6 ounces per person.

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