Creating or compiling a cheese platter is a masterpiece. It is way more than just piling cheese onto a plate. Cheese tasting is as sensitive an issue as wine tasting. To put a basic cheese platter together, it requires the love of all types of cheese. In spite of all the rigmarole of arranging different cheese on a plate, it can be safely said, that it is also one of the easiest appetizers to put together in the shortest time possible. All the cheese that is available in the market can be categorized into three basic cheeses. Cheese is made from cow, goat or sheep milk. Any cheese platter should have one of each type. There can be three to six different varieties of cheese. They can vary in color, texture and milk to give a variety of flavour and texture. At the same time, the variety should complement each other.
The cheese texture usually ranges from soft and runny to semi-hard or crumbly to hard. The taste ranges from mild to medium to strong. The platter is, at times, called a cheese clock where the mildest cheese is placed at “6 o’clock “and the strongest is placed at “3 o'clock”. Fortunately, there is no limitation, when it comes to choosing cheese. There is gouda, cheddar, brie, herbal goat to name a few. One tip to be kept in mind when it comes to cheese is, always take in the aroma before tasting the cheese. The milder cheese should always be tasted first and the pungent one later. The texture is important too.
Arranging the platter is an aspect one should not ignore. For the base of the platter, you could use a board made of wood, stone or marble and if you cannot find one of these, then even a dinner plate will be sufficient. Cheese can either be displayed as a whole or cut into slices, squares or triangles. The knife should vary from cheese to cheese. Sharp for the hard ones, a butter knife for the semi hard ones and scoop out the soft ones. Any cheese dish is incomplete without wine. For 3 or more varieties of cheese, minimum 2 types of wine should be served.
If you do not feel like putting a cheese platter together yourself, and yet wish to impress your dinner guests, here is a secret: you can buy cheese platters from your neighbourhood grocery shop or place an order online, they usually have an extensive selection of cheese platters. But not to worry, your secret is safe with us!
Showing posts with label gourmet fruits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gourmet fruits. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tips for Making Party Cheese Platters
Make your party or celebration more festive with cheese platters. A cheese platter is nothing but a ubiquitous party platter that is loaded with a wide variety of cheese, crackers, nuts, olives, and more. It is going to be a sure fire hit of your party. Creating a cheese platter is like creating a masterpiece. It is an easy-to-make appetizer and can be done in minutes.
To make a cheese platter, first you must know the different types of cheese available in the market. Basically, cheese can be categorized into three types - cheese made from cow, goat, and sheep milk. Every platter should contain at least one of each type. Generally, cow’s milk cheese has a hard texture, while sheep’s milk cheese has a semi soft texture. Cheese from goat’s milk has got a creamy and soft texture. Aim at keeping from three to six varieties of cheese on your platter. Each variety should vary in color, texture, and milk type, thereby ensuring a cornucopia of flavor and texture.
Usually, the taste of the cheese ranges from mild, medium, to strong. Choose from the endless list of gouda, cheddar, parmesan, camembert, brie, herbal goat cheese, and much more. You have to choose the right variety of cheese so that they complement each other. Before purchasing, taste each variety of cheese, from the mild ones to the most pungent ones and feel its texture. This will surely help you in making a balanced cheese platter.
The next step involves arranging and decorating your platter. You can use a large cutting board made of wood, stone, or marble, or even a dinner plate as the base for your cheese platter. Allow the cheese to come to its room temperature before serving in the platter. Arrange the different varieties of cheese in such a way that the people start tasting the mild cheese first, subsequently tasting the stronger ones. Cheeses can be sliced, cubed, or left whole, directly on the cutting board. Always be creative. Never forget to accompany your platter with cheese knives so that your guests can serve themselves. Always remember to keep separate knife for each variety of cheese; a sharp knife for hard cheese, a butter knife for semi hard cheese, and spoons or scoops for soft cheese.
Now, you can use myriad condiments to garnish your cheese platter. For a cheese plate, bread and crackers are the most obvious one for garnishing. You can also garnish nuts such as hazel nuts, cashews, macadamia, and raisins and fresh seasonal fruits such as grapes, apricots, cherries, fresh figs, black or green olives, dates, and even slices of meat. Instead of fresh fruits, you can also consider dried fruits or fruit spreads. If you are making cheese platter based on a theme, then try to garnish the platter according to the it. For instance, serve Spanish cheese platter with Spanish garnishes.
Serving cheese without wine is incomplete. Cheese will go fine with two types of wine, champagne and full-bodied red wine. Make your guests feel more excited by serving your delicious cheese platter along with wine.
To make a cheese platter, first you must know the different types of cheese available in the market. Basically, cheese can be categorized into three types - cheese made from cow, goat, and sheep milk. Every platter should contain at least one of each type. Generally, cow’s milk cheese has a hard texture, while sheep’s milk cheese has a semi soft texture. Cheese from goat’s milk has got a creamy and soft texture. Aim at keeping from three to six varieties of cheese on your platter. Each variety should vary in color, texture, and milk type, thereby ensuring a cornucopia of flavor and texture.
Usually, the taste of the cheese ranges from mild, medium, to strong. Choose from the endless list of gouda, cheddar, parmesan, camembert, brie, herbal goat cheese, and much more. You have to choose the right variety of cheese so that they complement each other. Before purchasing, taste each variety of cheese, from the mild ones to the most pungent ones and feel its texture. This will surely help you in making a balanced cheese platter.
The next step involves arranging and decorating your platter. You can use a large cutting board made of wood, stone, or marble, or even a dinner plate as the base for your cheese platter. Allow the cheese to come to its room temperature before serving in the platter. Arrange the different varieties of cheese in such a way that the people start tasting the mild cheese first, subsequently tasting the stronger ones. Cheeses can be sliced, cubed, or left whole, directly on the cutting board. Always be creative. Never forget to accompany your platter with cheese knives so that your guests can serve themselves. Always remember to keep separate knife for each variety of cheese; a sharp knife for hard cheese, a butter knife for semi hard cheese, and spoons or scoops for soft cheese.
Now, you can use myriad condiments to garnish your cheese platter. For a cheese plate, bread and crackers are the most obvious one for garnishing. You can also garnish nuts such as hazel nuts, cashews, macadamia, and raisins and fresh seasonal fruits such as grapes, apricots, cherries, fresh figs, black or green olives, dates, and even slices of meat. Instead of fresh fruits, you can also consider dried fruits or fruit spreads. If you are making cheese platter based on a theme, then try to garnish the platter according to the it. For instance, serve Spanish cheese platter with Spanish garnishes.
Serving cheese without wine is incomplete. Cheese will go fine with two types of wine, champagne and full-bodied red wine. Make your guests feel more excited by serving your delicious cheese platter along with wine.
Make Your Party More Delightful with Fruit Platters!
Are you looking for decorations and accessories to make your party or celebration more festive? Then a fruit platter would be an ideal choice. As we all know, having fruits is the perfect way to finish your meal. Fruits are low calorie food with natural sweet content. They are the best alternative to high-calorie desserts, such as ice creams, cookies, rich cakes, and the like. Fine, but what is a fruit platter? A fruit platter is nothing but a delicious and decorative serving where a large dish is decorated with several fresh fruits that are usually arranged in a pattern. Fruit platters are not only eye catching decors for your visitors, but also, fills their stomach. They serve as an ideal center piece for occasions such as Thanksgiving, New Year, and Christmas.
Instead of buying a fruit platter, it is more economically savvy to make your own fruit platter for your party. This article will surely help you in making a dazzling fruit platter in minutes. First, you need a serving bowl or platter. Ensure that the platter is sufficiently sized and must be a simple one, as a simple and soft color platter always highlights the fruits the most. Most probably, oblong platter or circular platter will work better for making a fruit platter.
To make a fruit platter, always select ripe and firm fruits that are rich in aroma. Fruits like berries, grapes, melons, pineapple, plums, apricots, and kiwi are the best for fruit platters. These fruits are festive, and no one would say no them. Never choose fruits like Fuji, bananas, pears, and peaches, as they may turn dark and spoil rather quickly. Each and every fruit should have its own place in the platter so that they will gain uniformity in appearance. You can even sprinkle mint leaves and other ingredients for garnishing.
There is nothing wrong in using less familiar fruits such as carombola (Starfruit) and kumquats. These fruits look very festive and are great for use in fruit platters with their unique color and shape. Both these fruits can be consumed without peeling the skin. Make sure that you have removed all the seeds from the star fruit, before decorating.
Always remember that your platter should complement your fruit arrangement. For a winter or Christmas party, you can use a clear crystal platter, filled with fruits like strawberries, red as well as green grapes, star fruits, and kiwi fruits. If you are preparing a fruit platter for the Independence Day, then use fruits like watermelons, honeydew melons, and strawberries. You can even use natural platters for decoration. For instance, an empty watermelon that is cut into half can be used for presenting your selection of fruits. Or even, an end portion of pineapple would serve as an attractive centerpiece for your fruit platter.
In fact, by arranging a fruit platter, you can enhance your creativity skill. Have fun by playing with colors, textures, tastes, and so on. You are allowed to arrange your fruit platter, may be symmetrically, asymmetrically, diagonally, or in any other fashion that you like the most. As a final note, make sure that you use fresh and washed fruits for your platter.
Instead of buying a fruit platter, it is more economically savvy to make your own fruit platter for your party. This article will surely help you in making a dazzling fruit platter in minutes. First, you need a serving bowl or platter. Ensure that the platter is sufficiently sized and must be a simple one, as a simple and soft color platter always highlights the fruits the most. Most probably, oblong platter or circular platter will work better for making a fruit platter.
To make a fruit platter, always select ripe and firm fruits that are rich in aroma. Fruits like berries, grapes, melons, pineapple, plums, apricots, and kiwi are the best for fruit platters. These fruits are festive, and no one would say no them. Never choose fruits like Fuji, bananas, pears, and peaches, as they may turn dark and spoil rather quickly. Each and every fruit should have its own place in the platter so that they will gain uniformity in appearance. You can even sprinkle mint leaves and other ingredients for garnishing.
There is nothing wrong in using less familiar fruits such as carombola (Starfruit) and kumquats. These fruits look very festive and are great for use in fruit platters with their unique color and shape. Both these fruits can be consumed without peeling the skin. Make sure that you have removed all the seeds from the star fruit, before decorating.
Always remember that your platter should complement your fruit arrangement. For a winter or Christmas party, you can use a clear crystal platter, filled with fruits like strawberries, red as well as green grapes, star fruits, and kiwi fruits. If you are preparing a fruit platter for the Independence Day, then use fruits like watermelons, honeydew melons, and strawberries. You can even use natural platters for decoration. For instance, an empty watermelon that is cut into half can be used for presenting your selection of fruits. Or even, an end portion of pineapple would serve as an attractive centerpiece for your fruit platter.
In fact, by arranging a fruit platter, you can enhance your creativity skill. Have fun by playing with colors, textures, tastes, and so on. You are allowed to arrange your fruit platter, may be symmetrically, asymmetrically, diagonally, or in any other fashion that you like the most. As a final note, make sure that you use fresh and washed fruits for your platter.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Your Favorite Dessert
Have you tasted chocolate dipped strawberries? Of course, it is really tempting when you look at this dessert and is equally delicious to taste. Its unique blend of sweet and tart has made this dessert a favorite of all. This surprisingly simple dish serves as a good dessert and is great for use in cakes and pastries.
As we all know, fruits are top providers of vitamins and minerals. And especially, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. It also contains some portions of potassium. Thus, dipping lush red strawberries in chocolate has become one of the best ways of making healthy and scrumptious dessert. Being an excellent source of Vitamin C, minerals and fiber, chocolate dipped strawberries has numerous health benefits. Its dietary fiber aids you in regulation of digestion. It helps in balancing out the requirement of minerals by the body, thereby ensuring good performance of all basic functions. Vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, but also aids in immune system function of your body.
Making chocolate dipped strawberries is quite easy. For making this dessert, you need to have 30 fresh, large strawberries with the green stalks, 250 grams of bitter-sweet chocolate chips, half cup cream and finally, one tablespoon brandy or any other brand liquor. Always pick up fresh strawberries as they are very sweet and are available in dashing dark red color. First of all, wash the strawberries and allow them to dry. If you are using strawberries that are refrigerated, then bring them to the room temperature and then dip into the hot chocolate. The next step is to melt the chocolate chips. You can melt it by keeping it in your microwave for just one minute and then blend it with brandy or the liquor you intended to use.
By holding the stem or leaves of the strawberries, gently dip it in the chocolate and swirl to partially cover. Now, take off the strawberries from the hot chocolate and shake it before removing. Repeat the above steps for remaining strawberries. Generally, chocolate dipped strawberries have to be consumed within a day. Always remember it to serve at the room temperature so that you can enjoy the best blend.
To make chocolate sauce, you can either use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Although milk chocolate contains sufficient portions of copper and phosphorous, it is likely to be very high in saturated fat. Hence, it is always advisable to consume in moderation. The dark chocolate is used to prepare the healthiest chocolate dipped strawberries, as the saturated fat present in dark chocolate is comparatively less than the milk chocolate's. Moreover, dark chocolate is a good source of manganese, magnesium, and iron. It helps you in reducing your blood pressure.
Generally, chocolate dipped strawberries taste great with two types of wine - champagne and red wine. Also, this appealing dessert goes no less good with Pinot Noir wine.
As we all know, fruits are top providers of vitamins and minerals. And especially, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. It also contains some portions of potassium. Thus, dipping lush red strawberries in chocolate has become one of the best ways of making healthy and scrumptious dessert. Being an excellent source of Vitamin C, minerals and fiber, chocolate dipped strawberries has numerous health benefits. Its dietary fiber aids you in regulation of digestion. It helps in balancing out the requirement of minerals by the body, thereby ensuring good performance of all basic functions. Vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, but also aids in immune system function of your body.
Making chocolate dipped strawberries is quite easy. For making this dessert, you need to have 30 fresh, large strawberries with the green stalks, 250 grams of bitter-sweet chocolate chips, half cup cream and finally, one tablespoon brandy or any other brand liquor. Always pick up fresh strawberries as they are very sweet and are available in dashing dark red color. First of all, wash the strawberries and allow them to dry. If you are using strawberries that are refrigerated, then bring them to the room temperature and then dip into the hot chocolate. The next step is to melt the chocolate chips. You can melt it by keeping it in your microwave for just one minute and then blend it with brandy or the liquor you intended to use.
By holding the stem or leaves of the strawberries, gently dip it in the chocolate and swirl to partially cover. Now, take off the strawberries from the hot chocolate and shake it before removing. Repeat the above steps for remaining strawberries. Generally, chocolate dipped strawberries have to be consumed within a day. Always remember it to serve at the room temperature so that you can enjoy the best blend.
To make chocolate sauce, you can either use milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Although milk chocolate contains sufficient portions of copper and phosphorous, it is likely to be very high in saturated fat. Hence, it is always advisable to consume in moderation. The dark chocolate is used to prepare the healthiest chocolate dipped strawberries, as the saturated fat present in dark chocolate is comparatively less than the milk chocolate's. Moreover, dark chocolate is a good source of manganese, magnesium, and iron. It helps you in reducing your blood pressure.
Generally, chocolate dipped strawberries taste great with two types of wine - champagne and red wine. Also, this appealing dessert goes no less good with Pinot Noir wine.
Share a cookie tray this holiday season
When it comes to the holiday season it is all about the “traditions” and every family have their own set of holiday traditions with most of them being food-centric. Sharing is the buzz word when it comes to holidays and festivities, and it is not surprising if you get an invite for a cookie-swap once in a while. Earlier preparing these delicious smelling cookie trays at home used to be fun. However, today with the “on-go” lifestyle that we lead who has the time, energy and patience to bake cookies at home and that too a whole lot of them!
Well no need to avoid one of these cookie-swaps, with the amazing ideas that we will share with you, you will be able to display a whole range of cookie trays with élan. First you need to decide the approach to getting the cookies made; can either get really adventurous and start baking and arranging the tray from scratch, purchase readymade cookies and arrange them on a tray, or best just buy readymade cookie trays.
In case you want to start from scratch, then you better use any easy to make cookie mix and follow the instructions given on the box to the Tee. Do not try any experimentation; you can do those when you have time and energy at your disposal, and your partner is the guinea pig not your friend/neighbors. You will need one box per tray, so find out how many trays you are planning to share and purchase the cookie mix boxes accordingly. It is a good idea to use different flavor cookie mixes and then make assorted flavor cookie trays. Preparing the cookies might take around 20 to 30 minutes so plan your time accordingly.
Purchasing the cookies is a better idea when you are not at all confident with your culinary skills or do not have the requisite equipments. Make sure you get your goods from a reputed outlet. Many cities have local bakeries, which will be more than happy to deliver freshly baked cookies at your place; however you might have to give them some lead time. Once your cookies are ready (homemade or readymade), get enough trays and doilies. Paper doilies are disposable, enhance the visual appeal of your cookies and are cheap as well. So line your trays with appropriately shaped and sized doilies and arrange your cookies over them, sprinkle some icing sugar and cinnamon powder over the cookies for an added effect…Voila your very own cookie tray is ready.
As for readymade cookie trays, these come with an assortment of cookies, along with other gift foods like fruits and chocolates. A professional cookie tray will always make you standout in a crowd with people asking you about tips on sourcing the cookie trays. Many online gifting websites offer cookie trays that can be delivered on the same day of order, plus they have many easy payment options. Browse the net and you will come across many.
So now the next time you are called for a cookie-swap party do not hide under the bed or plan an emergency get away but confidently share a cookie tray and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Well no need to avoid one of these cookie-swaps, with the amazing ideas that we will share with you, you will be able to display a whole range of cookie trays with élan. First you need to decide the approach to getting the cookies made; can either get really adventurous and start baking and arranging the tray from scratch, purchase readymade cookies and arrange them on a tray, or best just buy readymade cookie trays.
In case you want to start from scratch, then you better use any easy to make cookie mix and follow the instructions given on the box to the Tee. Do not try any experimentation; you can do those when you have time and energy at your disposal, and your partner is the guinea pig not your friend/neighbors. You will need one box per tray, so find out how many trays you are planning to share and purchase the cookie mix boxes accordingly. It is a good idea to use different flavor cookie mixes and then make assorted flavor cookie trays. Preparing the cookies might take around 20 to 30 minutes so plan your time accordingly.
Purchasing the cookies is a better idea when you are not at all confident with your culinary skills or do not have the requisite equipments. Make sure you get your goods from a reputed outlet. Many cities have local bakeries, which will be more than happy to deliver freshly baked cookies at your place; however you might have to give them some lead time. Once your cookies are ready (homemade or readymade), get enough trays and doilies. Paper doilies are disposable, enhance the visual appeal of your cookies and are cheap as well. So line your trays with appropriately shaped and sized doilies and arrange your cookies over them, sprinkle some icing sugar and cinnamon powder over the cookies for an added effect…Voila your very own cookie tray is ready.
As for readymade cookie trays, these come with an assortment of cookies, along with other gift foods like fruits and chocolates. A professional cookie tray will always make you standout in a crowd with people asking you about tips on sourcing the cookie trays. Many online gifting websites offer cookie trays that can be delivered on the same day of order, plus they have many easy payment options. Browse the net and you will come across many.
So now the next time you are called for a cookie-swap party do not hide under the bed or plan an emergency get away but confidently share a cookie tray and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Dry fruit trays – a true delight for parties
People always look for some great gifting ideas for their beloved ones. Not just family occasions, even in corporate, there is a need for fantastic gifts to delight their employees. Whether you want to add a touch of elegance or extravagance to your celebration, dried fruit platter would just be the thing you are looking for; they are not just visually appealing but a treat to the palate as well.
Needless to say dried fruits and nuts play a major role in maintaining our health and well-being. They are good source of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, dietary fiber, and folic acid. Dried fruits such as peaches, prunes, and apricots have good potassium content, which is good for maintaining healthy blood pressure. When a date is teamed up with milk, it forms a complete meal. People with irregularity in bowel movements would find raisins very useful. Nuts have high content of essential oil and lipids and hence, are energy boosters. In addition to the nutritional value nuts offer, they have an amazing aesthetic value and are pleasant-tasting as well. The major advantage of dried fruits and nuts is that when refrigerated they can stay fresh for about 4 to 6 months, while the nuts would be good for up to 4 months.
You can try making a dry fruit tray to deliver a personalized touch to the party event. You can choose from a variety of dried fruits available today, while you try to put different flavors together in a single platter; ensure that they blend with each other. For instance you could use dried figs, raisins, apricots and dates, or any other combination as long as the flavors complement each other. This would make your tray look beautiful and palatable as well. While arranging, come out of that traditional style. It’s time to show your creativity. You can even have some dips served along with the dry fruit tray to make it even more interesting for your guests.
It is true that you cannot make your own dried fruit tray every time you have a party at home. This leaves you with the option of ordering for the ready-made ones. If you decided to order a dried fruit platter online, first you should decide the size. For gifting, a small-size platter would do, but if it is a family gathering or office party, then you should go for the larger ones.
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