So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Add A Wooden Cheese Board To Your Next Dinner Party

By Arthur Butler

If you want to add a taste of elegance at your next evening event there is a simple way to do it. It requires very little effort but a lot of thought must go into this little course of the meal. The simple idea is to add a cheese plate.

A cheese platter is not just a cheese platter. It consists of cheeses that have been chosen very carefully and then prepared in a way to prepare the appetites of your guests. The plate can be served as either the appetizer, main course or even desert. Here are a few things to consider when preparing a cheese platter.

Limit the number of cheeses on the board to no more than 6. Cheeses should have different appearances, tastes and textures. Plan the platter according to a theme. Some ideas include a country, different milks or different seasons. Vary the tastes on the plate from very mild to very strong. Guests can then begin with the mildest cheese and time up to the strongest cheese. Use shape, size and color to make the platter visually appealing. For even more color, do not forget to add fresh fruit.

Accompany the board with wine and bread. Choose these elements to complement the cheeses that you have selected. Be sure that their flavors are not so strong that they compete with the cheese, but rather complement it. Choose everything so that your guests can appreciate the diversity of the cheese board. Fruit and nuts will add more subtle flavors to the cheese plate and enhance the flavors of the cheese.

Be sure that have a different knife for each cheese presented on the cheese plate. Soft cheeses need broad blades for spreading while hard cheeses need sharp knives for cutting.

Always leave enough space between cheeses in order that they do not mix as they soften. Strong cheeses need to be place far from mild ones. Do not let their aroma's mix. Smaller cheeses need to be placed in the center of the plate surrounded by softer cheeses. The place for the harder cheeses is around the outside of the cheese platter. This will allow them to be cut more easily.

For best flavor serve the cheese platter at room temperature. Set the board out at least an hour before time to serve the cheese plate. Hard cheeses will need to be set out longer, so plan accordingly. Be careful that the soft cheeses do not become so soft that they spread too much on the board. Keep the cheeses covered until just before your are ready to serve the cheese platter to prevent them from drying out. If there are leftovers, be sure that cover and refrigerate after the party.

While a simple idea, a cheese plate is very elegant also. It adds class to any meal. It is a chance to show off your artistic and creative abilities while meeting the taste needs of your guests. Try serving one at your next evening party. Your guests will appreciate it.

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