Make your own cheese plate for lunch, brunch or anywhere in between!
All you need is a nice plate, even a cutting board, a few snack-y nibbles and the cheese of your choice. I like a little salty (olives), a touch of sweet (dates, fruit) and a bit of crunch (nuts, crackers). Go!
Costco: my go-to place for cheese
I'm a huge fan of perusing the cheese aisle at my local Costco because you just never know what's wedged between the everyday items. In this case, a Basque raw sheep milk from Le Secret De Compostelle located on the top shelf and easy to miss. This amazing cheese has a smooth paste and creamy—almost sweet—flavor. So great I went back for more!
Home Cheese: Camembert
I've been dabbling in cheesemaking for almost a decade with decent results such as the camembert pictured below. Patience is a much needed virtue with this hobby, but for those willing to wait, great cheese can be the reward. Note: for those not willing to wait, refer to the section on Costco cheese :)
It's cool to see store-bought milk turn into curds and then small rounds of cheese ready to sprout fuzzy exteriors. This batch made 8 small rounds which, in 8 weeks will be ready to eat. And yes, it's hard to hold out that long!
For those who want something easy and yet still awe inspiring, store bought olives are a good option.
Olives: dress to impress
And to add flair to store bought olives? Pull together olive oil, a few orange slices and any herbs you have on hand. Let the flavors meld then use the oil for dipping your bread. Always a crowd pleaser that seems complicated but it's not!
You don't need a party or excuse to indulge a little. You have my permission to get creative, find your favorites and enjoy!