![\"christmas](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Christmas-cheeseboard-dobbies.jpg\")
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Image: Dobbies<\/em><\/p>\n The cheeseboard is often the centrepiece of a Christmas buffet spread, so it deserves more than just a few blocks of cheddar on a plate. But how do you up your cheeseboard game if you’re not an expert foodie?<\/p>\n MasterChef finalist Giovanna Ryan has teamed up with Boursin<\/a> to offer up some expert tips for mastering the cheeseboard, alongside her epic, three-tier vertical cheeseboard.<\/p>\n Image: Nic Crilly Hargrave\u00a0<\/em><\/p> We all like a good selection of cheeses, but the way to maximise the taste of your selection without having to buy the whole cheese counter is to pick a theme from the outset. Giovanni suggests concepts such as sweet and salty, French classics and Christmas flavours \u2013 in fact, she’s dedicated one tier to each on her vertical cheeseboard. By choosing a geographical region or style of cooking, you’ll be able to easily identify flavours that pair well together, which takes us onto step 2 of our ultimate cheeseboard.<\/p>\n The ideal pairing of cheese with condiments and other elements is all about finding balance in your mouth. Soft cheeses are often very creamy and rich, for example, so sweetness and acidity from fruit pairings such as apple and fig are ideal for avoiding a claggy mouthful. Salty cured meats can help make mild-mannered cheeses more boisterous, while sweet touches like honey are ideal for heavily salted cheeses like feta.<\/p>\n Also think about the textures of the carbohydrates you include – bread, crackers and biscuits! A nice mix will help add interest to your cheeseboard as a whole.<\/p>\n “Get creative,,” says Giovanni. “Sprinkle, grate, drizzle or scatter your finishing touches, let each tier really come into its own. Utilising different textures by adding herbs, spices, oils and nuts is a great way to add flavour and scent. I used whole almonds and walnuts as well as chopped hazelnuts mixed with rosemary.”<\/p> Image: Luke Arthur Wells<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n For a family buffet, make sure you cover everyone’s tastes when it comes to cheese. Mix strong blues with milder tastes, and incorporate vegan cheeses and gluten-free crackers to make sure you’re catering for everyone!<\/p>\n![\"vertical](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/London-Food-and-Drink-Photography-Boursin-Christmas-Vertical-Cheeseboard-Nic-Crilly-Hargrave-462-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAdvertisements<\/div><\/div>\r\n<\/figure><\/div>\nPick a theme<\/h3>\n
Perfect pairs<\/h3>\n
Read more:\u00a05 Christmas recipes you can prepare in advance<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n
Embellish your cheese<\/h3>\n
Advertisements<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n![\"cheese](\"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/luke-arthur-wells-cheeseboard.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBe inclusive<\/h3>\n
Are poinsettias a festive must in your household? Tweet us @goodhomesmag<\/a>\u00a0or post a comment on our\u00a0Facebook page<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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