Lets start our festive season off with our guide to making the perfect dairy free cheese board!
A vegan cheeseboard is a fantastic way to introduce plant-based alternatives to family and friends that may not have tried them before... or if you are plant based already and excuse to eat lots and lots of cheese.
Regardless of if you eat dairy or not here's how we would put together a stunning cheeseboard that will impress everyone.
Step 1... which cheese to choose?
Variety is key! Include at least 3–5 types of cheese to cater to different tastes and textures:
- Soft cheeses: Honestly brie or camembert are a good choice here, Classic.
- Semi-hard cheeses: Something like Tyne Chease's original or even smoked!
- Aged or tangy options: Honestly or Mouse's favourite blue would be good here!
- Spreadable options: Have you tried out the new GreenVie cheese spread? Or maybe the Honestly garlic and herb spread!
- Unique flavors: Include cheeses with add-ins like Nut Ok's truffle cheese, Kinda Co's Garlic and herb, or Mouse's favourite Seaweed Dulse.
Step 2... what to put it on?
Offer a mix of options for variety and pairings:
- Crackers: Check out Nairns oatcakes and crispbreads, don't forget Amisa's range too!
- Lentil Cakes: Have you tried Kallo's lentil cakes. Unlike your regular rice and corn cakes these are light and crisp... almost like a giant crisp!
- Breads: Thinly sliced baguette or sourdough bread. We'll be getting a delivery of fresh Kvasa bread on the 24th. Want to make sure you get some, pre order today!
Step 3... something sweet
Fruits provide sweetness and balance the savory flavours of the cheese:
- Fresh fruits: Grapes, sliced apples, pears, or figs.
- Dried fruits: Apricots, cranberries, or dates.
Step 4... add some crunch!
Include a variety for texture and taste:
- Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans.
- Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Step 5... sweet and savoury Spreads
Provide dips and spreads to complement the cheese, they'll also give you some different flavours to break things up.
- Sweet options: Jam Bothy Chilli jam, Mrs Darlingtons boxing day chutney or Shaws Beetroot and Horseradish Chutney!
- Savoury options: Olive tapenade, sun-dried tomato pesto, or hummus.
Step 6... something pickled?
For a tangy contrast:
- Olives, gherkins, artichoke hearts, sauerkraut or even kimchi!
Step 7... labels (or the packets)
Just so everyone knows what they're enjoying, especially if they have allergies.
