It’s Christmas – say cheese!

Fed up with traditional festive fare? Tired of turkey?

There comes a point when even the tastiest mince pie loses its allure, so why not give your taste buds a break and try something a little healthier than plum pudding for dessert.

A cheeseboard is usually a winner, and it can be spruced up to look inviting and Christmassy.

You will need:

• A large, attractive wooden board (a chopping board will work if it’s in good nick. If not, it can be covered with tin foil). You can of course use a platter, but it doesn’t have quite the same effect.
• An assortment of small knives. Don’t worry if you don’t have ‘real’ cheese knives, paring knives will do.
• A selection of cheeses. A good cheese board will include a variety of blue cheeses – think Simonzola and Roquefort; aged – good old Cheddar and gouda, always a safe choice for the more conservative palate and soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some sheep or goat milk options as well.
• Crackers and biscuits. Almost any savoury biscuit will do, but blander options like water biscuits or cream crackers are best to allow the flavour of the cheese to shine through.

Now that the basics are taken care of, it’s time for some detail, the bits and bobs that make a cheeseboard so special. Here are some ideas, but almost anything goes, so let your imagination run wild.

• Nuts – almonds and walnuts are traditional Christmas favourites.
• Fruit – fresh or dried. If you opt for fresh, try grapes (black and white) and figs. A little ginger preserve also adds a festive touch.
• Stuffed olives
• Cured meats, which could include salami, chorizo and ham. If you have leftover Christmas meats, sneak them on too!

Decorate with few fresh herbs, add guests and enjoy.

HAVE YOUR SAY

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