Easy cheese platter ideas from author @AveryAames

Featured: smoked Gouda, sharp white Cheddar,
and sharp orange Cheddar.

From Daryl aka Avery:

HAPPY ALMOST NEW YEAR!!!! Will you be partying? Going out of having people in? No matter what, you want easy, don't you? Think buffet. Think finger food. And say cheese!  [I'm in cheese mood right now. I've got a new Cheese Shop Mystery #7 FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE to be released in 4 weeks. Count 'em. 4!] So cheese is on my mind.

The ease of a cheese platter is something so wonderful. All it takes is your own creativity, a great plate, some good cheese.

Think variety when you're putting together a cheese platter. Variety of color (orange, white, yellow, red rims).  Variety of texture (creamy, hard, hole-y, gritty). Variety of shapes (round, square, triangles, cubes).

And then think what you want the accompaniment to be: sweet, savory, salty. 

There is NO right or wrong. 

If you have a cheese monger to go to, great. Ask her for advice. If you don't, go to the store and pick with your eyes. Choose what appeals to you. 

By the way, do not be a cheese snob. Let's face it, sometimes budget is an issue. There are some great Cheddars, Swiss, and Monterey Jack cheeses that are extremely reasonable in price. 

If you want to, add a label or two to your cheeses, but it's not necessary so long as you remember what they are. However, make sure, if you do have guests, that you taste the cheeses first so you can tell them what each cheese tastes like.  

And - this is just from me - remember to consider your gluten-free guests. They can probably eat the cheese, but not the crackers (unless you have gluten-free), so I like to keep them separate. (*see topmost photo)

If you have lactose-intolerant friends, do your best to have other choices for their snacks, but hard cheeses are usually "good" for an intolerant person, in limited amounts.

And get this, there are even vegan cheeses! I've not tried any (sorry to say) but I hear popular brands include: Cheezly, Daiya, Teese, and Tofutti. 

Whatever you do, enjoy. Have a glass of wine (or champagne or water, both of which go with all cheese) and savor the delight!!

Yes, that's chocolate paired with cheese!

Also, remember, you can always find other appetizers and platters I've shared on MLK on my website: APPETIZERS.

Savor the mystery and say cheese!

Daryl Wood Gerber aka Avery Aames

Tasty ~ Zesty ~ Dangerous!

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FUDGING THE BOOKS, the 4th Cookbook Nook Mystery, is HERE!  Click to order.

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FOR CHEDDAR OR WORSE

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