Sweet dreams are made of cheese! Who am I to dis a Brie?

If you know me you will know that I take my cheeses very seriously! In fact, one of my besties and I often talk about how one day we will have a cheese, wine, and flower shop to live out our dreams and our passions. We could eat our body weight in Cheddar and Blue, Gruyere and Camembert while putting together bouquets of pretty flowers and sipping on the occasional glass of Prosecco. Until such a time, I will continue to put together charcuterie boards, which make for a good way to use up odds and ends in the fridge and are a great way to entertain.

Basics to build your dream board:

1. Grab your supplies! You will need a pretty board, tray or plate – I always cover my wooden boards in natural baking paper to stop oil stains so add that to your list if you agree. You will need small bowls, glasses, or pretty dishes for smaller items as well as small utensils like spoons, cheese knives, small forks, cheese picks, toothpicks, etc.
2. The fun part – pick your ingredients! The key here is selection; you want a mix of crackers and breads, different cheeses (I always try to choose a sharp cheddar, a semi-soft, a creamy Brie or Camembert, and another just for luck depending on my mood. Then add in different kinds of meats – the key here is to know your audience; if children are involved crumbed chicken strips work well, smoked or sliced meats, biltong sticks, whatever you fancy! Dips or spreads like hummus or tapenade, olives, sliced fruits (persimmons, apples, peaches, pomegranates, pears), grapes, nuts, jams, glazed figs and ginger as well as preserved chilies. You want to cater to a wide variety of flavour profiles allowing the guest to make up their own delicacy.
3. Play! Layer and group spreading things around; try to think base (like a cracker or sliced French loaf), cheese, dip, something crunchy, something fresh, and repeat. You can add edible flowers, herbs, or festive decor if you wish.

Best enjoyed with friends with a delicious drink and fun game of Sequence as tested with our friends recently!

Yours in hugs and cheeses xx