Build A Beautiful Party Cheeseboard

I can’t think of a soul who doesn’t like to see and help themselves to a beautifully presented cheeseboard. A collection of delicious nibbles – cheeses, crackers, fruit, nuts and wafer thin slices of cured meats, is a wonderful way to get a party started.

It isn’t difficult to get gorgeous results. It’s just a matter of following a few simple steps.

1. Start with a good surface. I like using an extra large, vintage wooden cutting board lined with parchment paper.
2. Establish the foundation by placing blocks of cheese first, making sure to use a mixture of different types of cheeses. I traditionally like hearty cheddar cheeses – extra sharp and smoked. A creamy Brie or Camembert (I buy 2 different sizes so I can stack them). Some sort of blue cheese. And you can never go wrong with a few firm cheeses like French Comte, Spanish Manchego, or Dutch Aged Gouda.
3. Add sliced meats, like salami, pepperoni, and ribbons of prosciutto.
4. Fill in with fruit. Clusters of washed and dried seedless grapes, Lady’s apples, clementines, sliced ripe pears dipped in acidulated water, figs, and my new fave, blackberries ­– unexpected and so delicious this time of year!
5. Stack handfuls of assorted crackers into open spots. I love mixing it up with unusual textures and flavor combos, like pistachio & cranberry, cracked pepper & rosemary, etc.
6. Add small containers filled with assorted nuts and dried fruit.
7. Finish with touches of fresh herbs. Some of my go-to’s include sprigs of dill, thyme, rosemary, basil, and bay laurel leaves. They add beautiful color, texture and a heavenly scent!
8. And lastly, don’t forget the cheese knives!

I promise you, all will enjoy!

Happy New Year to you! Cheers!

Love, Nora