Three Cheese Appetizers

THREE SIMPLE AND SIMPLY SUPER CHEESE APPETIZERS

When you need a great appetizer but have no time to fuss

By Luci

BLUE CHEESE WITH HONEYCOMB

I (L.P.) first encountered this superb combination at an annual fund raiser of Les Amis d”Escoffier of New York. That occasion brings some of the finest chefs and food products, not only from New York but from around the world. A German food group supplied a German blue cheese and honeycomb. There are many blue cheeses to choose from. I prefer one that is not too sharp or pungent combined with a wildflower honey. The only trick is to choose cheese and honey of high quality.

MANCHEGO CHEESE WITH QUINCE PASTE

Here’s one from Spain. Manchego cheese is easy to find. But you will find superior cheese at a cheese monger or an online store specializing in Spanish food such as La Tienda. Specialty groceries may carry quince paste and it is available online. To serve, it is best to make thin slices of quince paste to present along with the cheese. I have also prepared slices of a good baguette covered with a piece of cheese and topped with a thin slice of quince paste. 

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO CHEESE WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

This Italian delight will set your mouth to singing. Break off bite-size chunks of cheese from a large piece and place one drop of a really good aged balsamic vinegar on it. Pop it in your mouth and listen to the music. To guild the lily, serve with a chunk of ripe pear with its own drop of balsamic vinegar.