When entertaining during the holidays, there’s no better option than a cheeseboard for maximum impact and minimum kitchen time. Make Mainland Special Reserve quality cheeses the star of the show, and use the other elements of the cheeseboard to enhance and complement their flavours.
Creamy, hand-crafted Mainland Special Reserve Double Cream Camembert is perfectly paired with frozen grapes. The contrast between the rich, smooth cheese and grapes creates a delightful fusion of creamy and fruity sensations that’s simply irresistible.
The delicious Mainland Special Reserve Creamy Blue is extra creamy and delicate. Complemented by the earthy crunch of pine nuts and the sweetness of honey, while juicy ripe pear brings a refreshing element.
Mainland Special Reserve Gouda and green apple come together in a tasteful partnership, as the subtle flavoured soft cheese beautifully complements the crisp and tart green apple. The cheese’s creamy texture and mild, savoury notes contrast wonderfully with the apple’s bright and refreshing qualities — a true delight for the taste buds.
Shortbread on a cheeseboard? It’s perfect paired with Mainland Special Reserve Havarti and fresh berries. The buttery mild flavour of the Havarti complements the sweet, crumbly shortbread, while the burst of fresh berries adds a vibrant and fruity contrast. Together, they create a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and tart elements, making for a delectable, well-rounded treat.
Serve them all up on an impressive board with crusty sourdough bread, and crisp fig and almond crackers, and there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy.
Festive cheese board
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
| 1 | Mainland Special Reserve Double Cream Camembert |
| 1 | Mainland Special Reserve Creamy Blue |
| 1 | Mainland Special Reserve Gouda |
| 1 | Mainland Special Reserve Havarti |
| 1/4 cup | lightly toasted pine nuts, crushed |
| 1 | pear |
| 1 | green apple |
| 1 cup | olives |
| 1/2 cup | pomegranate seeds |
| 1 bunch | of frozen grapes (place in the freezer the night before) |
| handful | of seasonal berries |
| Apricots, dates or other dried fruit of your choice | |
| 1/4 cup | honey |
| 1 pack | of fig and almond crackers |
| 1 loaf | of sourdough bread, sliced |
| 1 pack | of shortbread |
| 100g | pre-sliced prosciutto |
Directions
- Select a large wooden board.
- Add cheese. You can pre-slice some of the Mainland Special Reserve Gouda and Havarti cheese.
- Cut pear and apple in half lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Place on board.
- Decant pomegranate seeds, honey and toasted nuts into small dishes or ramekins and add to the board.
- Arrange crackers, sliced loaf of bread and shortbread.
- Cluster fruits and olives on the board.
- Add prosciutto, and serve.
Serving suggestion: Pair with rosé or wine of your choice. Add any other tasty things you like (or whatever is in your pantry) as this recipe is very flexible and easy to personalise.
The Mainland Special Reserve range is available at supermarkets and retailers nationwide. For this and more Mainland recipes to make and share, head to nzherald.co.nz/eatwell
