She Strengthens

The Art of Cheese: A Guide to Building the Perfect Board

Are you overwhelmed by the endless options at the cheese counter? You’re not alone. With so many styles and textures to choose from, it’s no wonder even the most enthusiastic cheese lovers can feel lost. But fear not, dear fromage fanatics! We’ve got the inside scoop on how to navigate the world of cheese and create a show-stopping board that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Understanding Cheese Texture

According to Michaela Weitzer, a cheese expert at Murray’s Cheese in NYC, the key to unlocking the secrets of cheese lies in its texture. “Each milk type has its own characteristics and flavors, but when a customer comes in looking for help, they usually start with textures they have in mind.” So, what exactly determines a cheese’s texture? It’s a combination of factors, including the cheese-making process, pH and acidity levels, and aging time.

The Cheese Spectrum: From Soft to Hard

Soft cheeses, like ricotta and goat cheese, are made using a short production process and little to no aging time, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavors. Semi-soft cheeses, such as fontina and mozzarella, are slightly harder and boast a pliable texture and nutty, earthy flavors. Semi-firm cheeses, like Gouda and Monterey Jack, feature a slightly lower moisture content and undergo a longer aging process, making them perfect for shredding and grating. Firm cheeses, like cheddar and Comte, retain only a little moisture and are aged for a longer period, resulting in a sharp, buttery flavor. And finally, hard cheeses, like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, have had most of their moisture removed and are aged for an extended period, making them ideal for crumbling and grating.

The Blue-Veined Exception

Blue cheese, with its distinctive blue-green veins, is a category unto itself. Made by introducing a cultured fungus into the curd, blue cheese boasts a rich, pungent flavor and aroma. From soft and spreadable to hard and crumbly, blue cheese is a love-it-or-hate-it affair.

Crafting the Ultimate Cheese Board

So, how do you create a cheese board that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor? Weitzer shares her expert tips:

• Cheese: Start with three cheeses in different categories, such as soft, semi-soft, and firm. Choose one cheese that’s light and tangy, one that’s pungent, and one that’s aged and nutty.
• Meats: Select two different meats, such as a thin muscle meat like prosciutto and a hard texture meat like dry salami.
• Accoutrements: Elevate your platter with an assortment of yummy add-ons, like honey, jams, marmalades, olives, almonds, dried fruits, and crackers.
• Pro Tip: Arrange your plate so that coordinating flavors are next to each other, such as light cheese with fruit jam, aged cheese with salty almonds, and stinky cheese with pickled veggies.

With these expert tips and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cheese board that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, get creative, and indulge in the rich world of cheese!