A Guide to Balanced Flavors and Pairings – by Anyssa Jane
When crafting the ultimate cheese board, achieving a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal is key. A well-thought-out selection can elevate any gathering, delighting your guests with each bite. Our suggested lineup of 7 cheeses, perfectly packaged in a catering pack, includes a mix of aged, creamy, smoky, and spicy options that cater to a variety of palates. And to top it all off, we’ll add a velvety Camembert for that extra touch of indulgence. Paired with local artisan jam, pickled grapes, and gourmet crackers, this board is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details. (Order your 8 pack to pick up in THE Artisan Cheese Shop in Courtenay!)
The Perfect Cheese Selection
- Aged Farmhouse – With its nutty, complex flavors and crumbly texture, this cheese provides pair wonderfully with artisan jam. pair wonderfully with artisan jam. This Bourenkaas style cheese has been aged for 2 years to compete with the flavor crystals and stone fruit finish of a similar aged cheddar. Strong, sweet and crumbly it is perfect with wine or whiskey.
- Boerenkaas – Dutch for ‘Farmer’s Cheese,’ award-winning Boerenkaas has a sweet nutty flavor and bold, tangy finish. A ripened cheese, it is superb in soups, salads, omelettes, and it also shines on a cheese board alongside pickled grapes.
- Smoked Boerenkaas – A smoky twist on the classic Boerenkaas, this cheese offers a bold, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the delicate creaminess of Camembert. Smoked from local apple trees right here in the Comox Valley it pair with honey, beer and coffee easily.
- Courtenay Cheddar – The ‘terroir’ is the sense of place of a cheese or a wine that is conveyed by the distinctive flavors of its geographical location and the environment in which it is ‘grown.’ Salty ocean air. Our cheddar embodies the essence of the lush Comox Valley. It’s creamy texture and a balanced tanginess, making it perfect for melting or adding depth to sandwiches and casseroles. Pair it with crisp crackers for a satisfying crunch.
- Pacific Pepper Verdelait – Vibrant, sassy cheese with the inferno finish of local Paper Lantern habañero peppers and premium, black pepper. Brilliant on it’s own, but it also shines on nachos, grilled on soup and great with a robust red wine or full-bodied beer.
- Amsterdammer – A favorite with Comox Valley locals. A perfect cheese for cooking, melting and sandwiches. It has a buttery creamy, mild, and fights with no one. Good on a sandwich, with a glass of wine, whisky or coffee.
- Camembert – Soft and creamy, with a bloomy rind and earthy undertones, Camembert adds an element of indulgence. Serve it warmed slightly, with a dollop of jam or a sprinkling of fresh herbs. We also make a triple cream camembert at Christmas and Mothers day!
Building the Perfect Pairings
To complement the cheeses, we love to quote Brenda from 40 Knots Winery, “What grows together – Goes together”
Somethings to include!
- Local Artisan Jam – The sweet and tangy flavors enhance the creamy and sharp profiles of the cheeses. Look for seasonal options like blackberry or fig.
- Pickled Grapes – These provide a unique burst of tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Gourmet Crackers – A mix of plain, seeded, and flavored crackers adds texture and variety to your board.
- Charcuterie from Powell River’s Brut Charcuterie – The rich, savory flavors of artisan meats from Brut Charcuterie complement the cheeses perfectly, adding an additional layer of indulgence and variety to your board.
Balancing and Contrasting Flavors
Each cheese brings something unique to the board, creating a delightful balance. The sharpness of Courtenay Cheddar plays against the creaminess of Camembert, while the smoky notes of Smoked Boerenkaas enhance the nutty undertones of Aged Farmhouse. Pacific Pepper Verdelait’s subtle heat is tamed by the sweetness of artisan jam.
Presentation Tips
- Arrange cheeses in a clockwise pattern, starting from mild to bold.
- Add small bowls of jam, local honey, mustard, and pickled grapes for easy serving.
- Scatter crackers around the board for a cohesive and accessible display.
- Include Natural Pastures Water Buffalo Cream Cheese for spreading or create a “Butter Board” with Natural Pastures Cultured Churned Butter to delight your guests with unique options.
This carefully curated selection, complete with thoughtful pairings, transforms any gathering into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or a grand celebration, these eight cheeses and their accompaniments promise to impress every guest. So, grab a catering pack, add a Camembert, and let the feasting begin!
(Order your 8 pack to pick up in THE Artisan Cheese Shop in Courtenay!)