Entertaining Legendairy Style

When entertaining, the most important thing to remember is to serve what you love and enjoy yourself, so friends, family and other guests will, too. Consider the possibilities: an assortment of cheeses can be served instead of, or in addition to, a traditional sweet dessert at the end of a meal, as an appetizer, as part of an informal brunch, or just a snack. Experiment and you’ll find there’s never a bad time to serve cheese!

Which cheeses should I serve?

On a cheese board, 3-5 choices should do so as not to overwhelm guests. Consider:
Type of milk (cow, goat, sheep, blends)
Flavor (mild, sharp, salty, sweet, pungent, nutty)
Texture (soft, creamy, hard, crumbly)
Color (white, golden, blue)
Shape (logs, wedges, discs)

Aim to create a balance of different flavors. Young cheeses tend to be creamier and milder than aged cheeses, which are usually sharper and drier. Flavors can range from tangy blues, earthy goat cheeses, and salty aged goudas. If serving during a meal, take into account what the other dishes will be. Today’s supermarkets are carrying an increasingly diverse selection of cheeses in the deli department. It’s easy and fun to experiment with new brands found right at your local store. Let cheese (except fresh cheeses) sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

How much cheese do I need?

Hors d'oeuvres (before dinner) 4-6 oz. per person
Hors d'oeuvres (cocktail party) 5-6 oz. per person
Appetizer Course 3-4 oz. per person
Main Course 5-6 oz. per person
Cheese Plate 2-3 oz. per person

What accompaniments should I serve with cheese?		  
 

Sweet
Fresh fruit (pear, apple, fig,
strawberry, melon, grapes)
Dried fruit (figs, dates)
Honey
Fruit paste (quince, guava)
Jams, jellies or chutneys

Savory
Toasted nuts (walnuts, almonds)
Breads and crackers
Fresh herbs
Olives
Cured meats (e.g. prosciutto)
Cornichons (baby pickles)
Caper berries
 
What beverages should I serve with cheese?
As a rule, serve what you like best. Wine is a natural choice, and beer and hard cider are becoming more and more popular. One wine will not match all cheeses, so serve at least two, one light and one bolder to match the range of flavors of the cheeses you serve. The flavor of beer is also complex, ranging from light and fruity wheat beers to porters reminiscent of caramel and coffee.

For information on the wines and beers that pair well with Legendairy cheeses, see wine and beer pairings.