| Whether you are hosting a soiree or a casual | | | | - Bread/Crackers - Bread such as a baguette and |
| get-together, your mission is to provide your | | | | plain or mildly flavored crackers serve to cleanse |
| guests with warm hospitality, lively conversation | | | | the palate. |
| and a delectable spread of food and drink. | | | | - Fruits such as apples, figs, pears, grapes, berries, |
| Whether the menu is complicated or simple it | | | | nectarines and melon are traditional |
| better be delicious. Serving a sumptuous gourmet | | | | accompaniments as their juicy and/or crisp |
| cheese course is perfect as a starter or | | | | textures contrast with the cheese. Their |
| centerpiece of the meal. Not only is the | | | | sweetness provides a counterpoint to the salty |
| preparation simple (no cooking!) but like fine wine, | | | | flavors of cheese. |
| serving a gourmet cheese course can be | | | | - Dried fruits offer a chewy texture that |
| mystifying. You may find yourself asking - What | | | | contrasts with harder cheese. |
| sort of foods to serve alongside? How do I select | | | | - Fruity jams, pastes, and chutneys also provide |
| the right food and cheese pairings? | | | | sweet and sometimes savory notes. |
| Not to fret! The good news is, you really can't go | | | | - Toasted nuts enhance the nuttiness of the |
| wrong. Just keep in mind that a cheese course is | | | | cheeses. Try toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, |
| about observing and enjoying contrasting and | | | | pistachios or hazelnuts. |
| complementary flavors. There are no hard and | | | | - Olives - The briny flavor of olives contrasts with |
| fast rules. Experiment and discover your favorites | | | | the richness of the cheeses. |
| by using the recommendations for traditional food | | | | - Cured meats such as prosciutto add a salty and |
| and beverage matches as a starting point. | | | | textural difference. |