Combine All the Flavors of the Cheese Platter in One Sauce
A good cheese platter is a harmonious arrangement of several components. Cheese is important, yes, but you will also need fruits, nuts, some sweets, and a carbohydrate delivery system. While mixing, juxtaposing, and folding gives me the feeling of warm and fuzzy Lunchables, sometimes I just want to put something in my mouth without worrying about “building” anything.
It’s times like this that I want to dive in, and there’s no reason you can’t combine multiple players on a cheese plate to make one. Just take two soft cheeses – I chose the ultra-creamy mascarpone and spicy chevron – and add some dried fruit and some honey and mix it all up. I used dried apricots for my fruits, but figs, cherries, cranberries, or even blueberries will do. Anything will work for honey, but spiced honey adds a bit of volume. Add your favorite nut to it all and you can dip into it to quench your cheese cravings.
To prepare this appetizer dish, you will need:
- 4 ounces mascarpone
- 4 ounce chevres
- 30 grams chopped dried fruit (I like apricots)
- 1/2 teaspoon honey, plus more to complete
- Salted nuts (such as roasted pistachios or marquin almonds) for dressing
Mix the cheese, fruit, and 1/2 teaspoon honey in a bowl with a spoon until they are completely combined, or use a food processor or hand mixer to work well and beat. Spoon into a serving bowl or dish, drizzle with more honey and top with a chopped salted nut of your choice. Serve with crackers or bread and pop into your mouth with frantic energy.