NZ House & Garden

Create t he PERFECT CHEESEBOAR­D

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The party season is here, and what could be easier than creating a delicious platter to feed a crowd. Using some of Mainland’s award-winning cheeses, here are tips to create a platter that will look and taste amazing.

Make it beautiful:

Start by positionin­g your cheese across the cheeseboar­d. Cut slices off a block, cut a wedge out of a wheel, or crumble pieces to make it easy for your guests to dive in. Next add items in bowls – olives, artichokes or dips – then place larger items such as cured meats and crackers to fill the gaps. Try to spread colours evenly throughout – strawberri­es, peppers, tomato and radishes all look great on a cheeseboar­d – cut into these so they are easy for your guests to eat. Finally, fill gaps with smaller items like nuts, blueberrie­s apricots or gherkins.

Choose the cheese:

Use a variety of cheese styles with differing flavours and aromas.

A good starting point is a cheddar, choose from a Mainland Smoked, or enjoy the nutty aromas of Mainland Noble. If you like a sharp bite, Mainland’s award-winning Vintage has been aged up to two years. Team the cheddar with a soft cheese, like a Mainland Special Reserve Camembert or Brie (for extra creaminess opt for double cream). Include a blue, either a creamy blue for a crowd-pleaser or blue vein for the blue lovers. For something different finish off with a Mainland Special Reserve creamy Havarti or nutty and sweet gruyere-style cheese.

Add texture:

A sharp blue needs the earthiness of an oat cracker, while a creamy double brie works well with plain water cracker that doesn’t swamp the cheese. Crusty bread is always a welcome addition or there are various flavoured flatbreads available to choose from.

Finishing touches:

Olives and pickles provide a contrast to the cheese and cut through the flavours. Honey is excellent with tangy blue cheese or a rich camembert. Nuts provide a textural contrast and can be scattered around. Fresh fruit works as a palate cleanser and radishes and peppers add a pop of colour.

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