Create the Ultimate Cheese Board
New York-based Shawn Lang and Kristofer Prepelica of the popular lifestyle blog The Farmhouse Project (@thefarmhouseproject) know the key to successful entertaining begins with an offering of food that looks as delicious as it tastes. Usually on their round entryway table as guests pop in, the overflowing cheese board is their go-to welcome dish for special occasions. To create your own version of their entertaining signature, follow Shawn and Kris' “Rule of Threes”: choose cheeses with three different flavor profiles, three nibbles, and three bready options. Here, Shawn shares their no-fail formula:
Start by selecting a large wooden board, preferably with a handle. We like to use vintage breadboards or a handcrafted cherry board.
When selecting cheeses, include different textures—soft, semi-soft, hard, and semi-hard—and flavor profiles, such as a buttery Havarti, a pungent Stilton, and a sharp Cheddar.
Next, a great cheese board will also have some additional nibbles that compliment or even enhance your cheeses. We like to aim for something aromatic, something pickled, and something sweet. To get that mix, add something brined or cured (olives always work nicely or try giant capers for a change) and something pickled, along with a unique mustard. Then, use preserves, honey, or dried fruits like figs to add something sweet—and colorful—in addition to a variety of nuts for a salty crunch. Additionally, you can add cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni.
Layer in a nice variety of carbs such as homemade crusty sourdough or a sliced baguette, an assortment of crackers, and breadsticks.
After you’ve layered in all your yummies, add some garnish to your board to wow your guests. We love using aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. This is great because the herbs can always be used for cooking the next day. Depending on seasonal availability, try edible flowers, fresh fruit, or colorful peppers, too.
Don't forget to include plenty of cheese knives and spreaders. We love to use a mix of vintage finds with a variety of handle styles.
And, one last tip: Don’t be afraid to pile it on! For an impactful look, we love to form tight organic clusters on one of our large vintage breadboards as a statement piece.
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