Choose cheese for dessert
The current demand for protein may be a relatively new food trend, but there’s an old-school way to cut your carb and sugar consumption and still come away from the dinner table without feeling cheated. Instead of an overly sweet treat after dinner, explore the traditional cheese plate. Combined with some artfully arranged fresh or dried fruit, almonds, pecans, or walnuts, and perhaps a few pieces of cocoa-heavy dark chocolate, a curated selection of good cheeses means you’ll never miss that slice of cake or pie ala mode.
When it comes to pairing cheese, fruit, and nuts, experts recommend starting with cheese and working your way out to accompany your selections with classic — or surprising — choices. For a crowd-pleasing variety, build your dessert plate on four cheese types:
Robust and rich. Here, you want a cheese that delivers flavor, texture, and umami. Cheddar is a great choice, as even its aged, sharp versions are familiar and appreciated: Most folks are conversant in Cheddar. It plays well with fresh and dried fruits, but apples and Cheddar are a classic duo — for a striking contrast, try Cortland apples; their juicy, crisp texture will set off your Cheddar to perfection.
The kind with a rind. Cheeses like Camembert and Brie are aesthetic and culinary winners for cheese plates. The beauty of that white rind against the creamy interior are an indicator — even to the uninitiated — that deliciousness awaits. Fans of edible-rind cheeses know that they shine when paired with dried fruits such as figs, dates, and apricots. And you can lean into the dessert-plate theme by pairing Camembert with walnuts and a little drizzle of honey.
Mild mannered. For every dessert served, there’s always a picky palate to protest. For those whose tastes run more to vanilla than chocolate, select a mild cheese with universal appeal. Creamy, buttery varieties like Muenster, Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery Belaire, or a can’t miss Butterkase fit the bill here. They also pair well with just about any fruit: cool, juicy grapes or orange wedges are a refreshing option.
The X factor. For the adventurous, offer a cheese and some accompaniments that mix it up. These days, many cheesemakers are chasing flavor profiles that take advantage of the product’s inherent rich, creamy textures by adding ingredients with a kick. A little heat from jalapeño or habanero peppers (or both!) can elevate a cheese to epic. Paired with a good dark chocolate, this fusion will delight your more daring guests.
For more pairing ideas, check out Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery’s product page.