The first glimmers of the holiday season are here. So let the festivities and planning begin. I love the thought of twinkly lights, celebrations and time with family and friends. But the reality of a season filled with so many splendid things is- I don’t always have time to cook.
A few years ago, when my holiday calendar was over flowing, I had an epiphany. What if I had a cheese and charcutier night instead of the traditional meal I had planned?
I could make it ahead and it would still feel like a celebration. Afterall, who hasn’t dreamed of having a reason to serve cheese for dinner?
Thus, with visions of brie and berries dancing in my head, I assembled a large board with all of my family’s favorites. I decided to serve it with sliced baguettes. The cheese board was a glorious hit. It’s wonderful to be able to come home, take off your coat, turn on some good music and magically pull dinner out of the refrigerator.
So here are a few of my favorite things and best tips for assembling a gorgeous holiday cheese board.
First, start with a large wooden cutting board or tray. I like finding large boards like this a Home Goods or Target. Then begin with the cheeses so they anchor the board design. I generally have three to five different cheeses depending on the number of people I am serving. Some of my best-loved picks are a good Brie, St. Andre a French triple cream cheese, Sartori Bella Vitano flavored cheeses, a sharp cheddar, and a Maytag blue cheese. I like to make it easy for everyone so I pre-slice my hard cheeses and cut the rind off of the top of my soft cheeses. The other thing I like to add is a Boursin cheese ball.
Second, I add two to three charcuteries like salami, sopressata, prosciutto, or Jamón Ibérico in groups. I like to cut longer slices of prosciutto in half and roll them. The salami slices can be folded in half to form a rose. Make a center by rolling a folded slice into a flower bud and then securing the base of the bus with a bit of tooth pick. Then take eight additional folded slices and create a rose by layering them like petals.
Finally, add the accompaniments. I like berries, dried apricots, red or green pears and jam as they add a lightness which pairs well with the cheese. One of my favorite jams is Divina orange fig spread. Other special additions include sweetened dried orange slices which you can find at Trader Joe’s and sugared cranberries. Fill open spots on the board with fresh herbs like, sage, rosemary, thyme and mint.
Boursin Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- 2 (5oz) boxes of Boursin cheese
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Sage leaves
- Butcher’s twine
Place the two cheeses together and roll them into a ball. Then cover the ball tightly with plastic wrap placing the ends on the bottom. Wrap the twine around the ball tightly like wrapping a package. Repeat three more times spacing the twine out to create even pumpkin ribs.
Let the cheese ball chill in the fridge. Then cut the twine and unwrap. Place half a cinnamon stick in the center for a stem and add sage leaves.
Sugared Cranberries
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
In a small mixing bowl add the cranberries and pour in the maple syrup. Stir well to coat the berries. Cover the cranberries and place them in the fridge for a least an hour. Drain the syrup from the cranberries and place the sugar on a small plate. Roll the berries a few at a time in the sugar. Let them dry and then store in the fridge. These cranberries also make beautiful cocktail garnishes.
A cheese board is great way to welcoming guests at Thanksgiving or as a party starter with wine and cocktails. They are fun to assemble in advance and share. So if the hustle and bustle of the holidays leaves you little time for last minute cooking then consider making a delicious holiday cheese board with sliced French bread and your favorite fruits.
