DIY High-End Cheese Plate

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Although we go out infrequently, when we enjoy a nice evening at a restaurant, I am always drawn to the cheese plate. The descriptions are always fascinating combinations of flavors, and I love the idea of trying something new. Unfortunately, most cheese plates at high-end (or even low-end) restaurants can set you back a pretty penny. You also don't often get a lot for your money. My suggestion - do it yourself - recreate your own high-end cheese plate at home. It's not hard. It's not that expensive if you limit your portions. And with little work, it's a great option for parties and entertaining, where everyone can create their own elegant flavor blends.

The Board

It all starts with a good sized cutting board. You can lay out all of your cheese and other accoutrements. Offer a few knives and everyone can select, cut, and sample the items of their choosing. If you don't have a good sized board, use smaller plates and bowls to achieve the same result. If you want to splurge on a set, this one is nice:

Cheese

Of course, it is not a cheese plate without the cheese. I am a cheese addict and could try just about every cheese out there. But, to keep your costs in check, you may want to select three or four cheeses of different flavors, types, regions, and origins (different animals). For example, you may select a pungent blue cheese, a creamy goat cheese, aged manchego cheese, and a sharp cheddar. Of course, you can do no wrong here because the idea is to sample different textures and flavors. The cheese is likely one of the most expensive ingredients on the cheese plate so you want to be cognizant of the portion sizes based on the number of people and the other food available.

Crostini

You also need a carrier for all of that delicious cheese. Crostini are small pieces of toasted or grilled bread. It's easy to pick up a baguette of small diameter, slice, and toast in the oven. If you don't want to be bothered, crackers, pita chips, or bagel chips are good substitutes. You can also provide a few different crackers or breads to increase the potential combinations.

Fresh Fruit

I really like the sweetness and juiciness fresh fruit provides. Again, there are really no rules here, but grapes, blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, and figs, are all great options. Pick fruits that are in season for best flavor and cost effectiveness.

Salty

I love the combination of sweet and salty. Although you could literally provide a sprinkle of sea salt, some of my favorite salty bites include nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, pecans, peanuts, and the like. The nuts provide a perfect balance of salt and crunch. Other briny options could include olives, pickles, or jarred jalapenos.

Dried Fruit

Another fantastic option on a cheese board is dried fruit. I love the intensified flavors from dried cranberries, figs, apricots, prunes, but really any dried fruit would work.

Sweet

The cheese plate could not be complete without a sweet touch to finish your masterpiece. A drizzle of honey. A pile of apricot or raspberry jam. The sweetness can cut a pungent cheese and create the most amazing combination.

So instead of splurging on a high-end restaurant, splurge on a DIY high-end cheese plate at home. By the way, my favorite bite is a crostini with goat cheese, pistacios, and a drizzle of honey. What's yours?