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How to Serve Cheese

Serving a variety of cheeses before dinner, after dinner, or as horsdoeuvres, makes an elegant and tasty snack. With very little preparation, a chees...More

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The Best Summer Cheeses

Submitted by Resident Cheesemonger

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor barbecues, picnics, and relaxed get togethers. And the best summer cheeses can make any of these occasions a gourmet eating experience to remember. Here are some suggestions for several types of cheese categories that really shine during the summer months. Try one or all of these delicious cheeses at your next summer party.

• Herb Cheeses: As spring flowers bloom into summer and fresh herbs continue to flourish, revel in the natural smells and flavors. Serve cheeses mixed with herbs for a delightfully light, yet thoroughly tasty, snack. Try havarti cheese with dill, a nice boursin with garlic, or any cheese mixed with basil. Yum! Ask your local cheesemonger for even more great herb cheese ideas.
• Cheese and Chilled White Wine: There's nothing better in the hot summer weather than a chilled glass of chardonnay, syrah, or your own favorite white wine. Take this wonderful opportunity to pair some cheeses that go amazingly well with white wine. You could serve a fresh mozzerella cheese with grilled peppers and eggplant antipasti. Or perhaps a creamy brie or camembert cheese is more up your culinary alley. And, of course, mild goat cheeses, like feta, go well with white wine.
• Cheese and Sweet Summer Fruit: Choose cheese that plays to the summer's sweet strengths. There is much succelent fruit available in the summer, from grapes and apples to canteloupe and kiwis. Why not take advantage and choose some cheeses which lend themselves to pairing with fruit? Choose mahon cheese, manchego, gruyere, or your favorite blue cheese whether it be stilton, roquefort, or bleu d'auvergne.
• Cheese Fondue: Cheese fondue, while often traditionally thought of as a warm winter treat, could also be great fun as part of an outdoor summer gathering. In my opinion the best classic cheese fondue is made with half gruyere and half emmentaler. Serve the fondue with bread and mushrooms. And hey, why not follow up with chocolate fondue for dessert?
• Artisanal Cheese: If all else fails, get into the playful summer spirit by trying a locally made artisanal cheese that you may or may not have ever heard of. These local cheeses can be a real treat.

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