The Perfect Cheese Platter

As the holidays are slowing creeping nearer and nearer, I recently saw a segment on TV about creating the perfect cheese platter.  I thought I would do some research and share it with you.  The cheese platter is a staple for all holiday entertaining, actually just all year round entertaining.  I ususally just place the cheese on the serving tray with a knives or spreader and put it out for our guests.  But, now I see there is much more of an art to it.  Who Knew????

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Tips for the Perfect Cheese Plater (adapted from aboutfood.com):

1. Set the cheese out a half hour before eating to bring them up to room temperature.
2. Ideally, put out a separate serving knife for each cheese. 
3. Arrange the cheese on the platter from softest to hardest with blue cheese (if you serve it) always at the end.  It has to do with seving the stongest tasting cheese last.

1. As a rule of thumb, plan for each guest to eat 1-2 ounces of each cheese you serve. If you’re serving heavy garnishes (sliced meat, olives, fruit) or other food along with the cheese plate, this amount may be a bit less.
2. Always have plenty of sliced bread and/or crackers on hand. 

What You Need:

• Three wedges of cheese
• Serving platter or plate
• Cheese knives
• Fruit, olives, nuts or sliced meat for garnish
• Sliced bread or crackers
• Napkins