Fall-Inspired Cheese Platter

November 9, 2017
Entertaining,Food + Drink

Should I consider it a compliment that, amongst my friends, I’m referred to as the cheese platter guru? I’d like to think so. After all, cheese is my jam. I take far too much enjoyment assembling platters of all kinds for parties and gatherings – but truthfully, cheese is always the most fun. I love experimenting with different varieties of cheeses, artisanal crackers and seasonal fruits. It keeps those guests on their toes! So without doubt, I’ll be responsible for hors d’oeuvres this Thanksgiving. The crazy cheese lady has got this . . .

Fall-Inspired Cheese Platter by HonestlyYUM (honestlyyum.com)

My go-to components for fall-inspired cheese platter are nuts, persimmons, pomegranates, crisp apples and a new favorite: roasted chestnuts! They’re soft, sweet and such a lovely compliment to cheese and wine. I score the tops of the chestnuts with a paring knife and toss them on the grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. I’m lucky enough to live close to an amazing cheese store, which has inspired me to change up the cheese selection each time. I’m currently loving a hardy French cheese called Mimolette. It has a distinctly bright orange color and has a sharp, nutty and slightly sweet flavor. I’m also opting for Camembert in lieu of Brie. It has a more earthy and intense flavor, which pairs nicely with warm honey and thyme. Do you guys have any favorite elements you love adding to a cheese platter? We’d love to know!

Fall-Inspired Cheese Platter by HonestlyYUM (honestlyyum.com)

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Conversation

I use dried persimmons, dried cranberries, fresh grapes and roasted unsalted almonds on my cheese plate. I think the flavors and textures compliment the cheeses.

Homemade honey glazed walnuts. Dried sour cherries. Homemade “mostarda”. Honey and jam

So much to love about this beautiful board! I love all the colors – and those scored chestnuts are to die for!

I used a cranberry/walnut compote on my last cheese tray. It was the perfect seasonal dash of sweet and tart and was amazing with blue cheese.

What a beautiful spread, Erica! Loving the color of that Mimolette and how cute the scored chestnuts look. I’ll have to find out if that cheese is in a store near me.

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