Frederic Melton
Crumbly cheeses, such as White Stilton, can be served in a number of ways. One way is to cut the cheese with a knife specifically designed for crumbly cheeses, such as a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade. Another way to serve crumbly cheese is to let it reach room temperature, which causes the crumbles to congeal. It is important to note that different cheeses require different knives and cutting techniques to ensure that everyone gets an even piece and that the cheese is not damaged in the process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Crumbly cheese is better served at room temperature |
| Cutting | Use a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade to cut crumbly cheese |
| Tools | A cheese wire cutter is a good tool for cutting crumbly cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Use a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade
When serving crumbly cheese, it is important to use the right tools for cutting and presenting the cheese. A wide, rectangular, open-surface blade is the best knife to use for crumbly cheeses. This type of knife will allow you to cut through the cheese with one fluid motion, without the cheese sticking to the blade and affecting the structural integrity of the slice.
When cutting crumbly cheese, it is important to cut the cheese right before serving. You should not saw the cheese, but rather cut it with one fluid motion. If the cheese is particularly stubborn, you can try rocking the knife back and forth to get a clean slice.
Using a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade will help to prevent the cheese from crumbling as you cut it. The wide surface area of the blade will provide a stable base for the cheese, while the open surface will reduce the surface tension between the cheese and the blade, allowing for a cleaner cut.
It is also important to consider the size and shape of the cheese when cutting it. For crumbly cheeses, it is generally best to cut them into small, thin slices or wedges. This will help to prevent the cheese from crumbling further when being served. Cutting the cheese into even slices or wedges will also ensure that each guest receives a uniform portion.
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Cut horizontally and vertically
When serving crumbly cheese, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure a pleasant presentation and preserve the structural integrity of the cheese. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut crumbly cheese horizontally and vertically:
Cutting Crumbly Cheese:
When cutting crumbly cheese, it is recommended to use a knife with a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade. Knives with holes are ideal for this type of cheese as they help maintain the structure of the cheese and prevent it from sticking to the knife.
Horizontal Cuts:
Start by cutting the block of cheese horizontally. This initial cut will make the subsequent slicing easier, especially when serving multiple guests. A horizontal cut creates a flat surface that provides a stable base for further cutting. It also allows for consistent and even slices, ensuring that each piece has a similar size and thickness.
Vertical Cuts:
After making the horizontal cut, proceed to cut the cheese vertically. This involves slicing along the rind or outer edge of the cheese. Cut from the center of the cheese towards the rind, creating even slices. This technique ensures that each slice includes an equal amount of rind or outer edge, contributing to a uniform presentation and allowing everyone to experience the cheese's flavor and texture consistently.
Additional Tips:
For crumbly cheeses with a pyramid shape, you can create aesthetically pleasing wedges by slicing from the center of the top towards the bottom. This results in evenly portioned wedges that your guests can easily pick up and enjoy. Additionally, consider using a cheese wire cutter or lyre for crumbly cheeses to achieve thin, precise slices without mashing or crumbling the cheese.
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Bring to room temperature
When serving crumbly cheese, it is important to bring it to room temperature. This is because crumbly cheeses, such as White Stilton, are medium-soft to medium-hard cheeses, and these types of cheeses are best served at room temperature. Taking cheese out of the fridge at least thirty minutes before serving will ensure it has time to reach the optimal temperature and texture.
When serving crumbly cheeses, it is also important to use the correct knife. A wide, rectangular, open-surface blade is recommended for crumbly cheeses. This is because the smaller surface area prevents the cheese from sticking to the knife, maintaining the structural integrity of the slice. Using a knife with holes is preferable for blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, for the same reason.
It is also worth noting that crumbly cheeses should be cut in one fluid motion. If the cheese won't budge under the blade, you can gently rock the knife back and forth to help it along. It is best to cut crumbly cheeses right before serving to avoid them drying out and to ensure the cheese retains its texture and flavour.
Bringing the cheese to room temperature and using the correct cutting techniques will ensure that crumbly cheeses are served optimally, enhancing the overall cheese-eating experience.
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Serve with honey
Honey is a versatile condiment that can be paired with almost any type of cheese. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the salty, tangy, or creamy flavours of the cheese.
When serving crumbly cheese with honey, you can drizzle the honey over the cheese minutes before serving. You can also serve a jar of honey on the side of a cheese plate, along with slices of baguette or crackers. Leaving the honeycomb whole is a visually stunning option for a cheese plate, and guests can cut off pieces of honeycomb to eat with the cheese.
For crumbly cheeses, a runny honey is a good option. The combination of the creamy, flowing honey and the thick, crumbly cheese is delicious. For example, a mature Italian cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano pairs well with a runny honey like Italian chestnut honey. This pairing accentuates Italy's rich culinary heritage.
If you prefer harder cheeses, like cheddar, a set honey like Scottish Heather Honey is a good option. This type of honey has a strong flavour that can stand up to the intensity of the cheese.
Finally, consider adding some texture and flavour to your cheese and honey pairing with roasted or salted nuts, such as pistachios, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. You can also serve dried or fresh fruit, such as cherries, apricots, dates, raisins, or freshly sliced green apples.
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Use a different knife for crumbling
When it comes to serving crumbly cheese, one crucial tip to keep in mind is to use a separate knife for crumbling. Here's why this approach is worth considering:
Firstly, using a designated knife for crumbling can help maintain the integrity of the cheese. Different cheeses have varying textures, and using the wrong knife can lead to uneven or messy crumbles. By opting for a knife specifically intended for crumbling, you can achieve the desired consistency without compromising the quality of the cheese.
Additionally, using a dedicated crumbling knife can enhance the presentation of your cheese platter. A well-presented cheese board is a delight to behold, and using the appropriate knife can ensure that your crumbly cheese maintains its appealing appearance. This attention to detail can elevate the overall dining experience for you and your guests.
The type of knife you use for crumbling matters. For crumbly cheeses, it is recommended to use a knife with a wide, rectangular, open-surface blade. Knives with holes are ideal for certain crumbly varieties, such as Roquefort and other blue cheeses, as they prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife and maintain the structural integrity of each slice.
Using a separate knife for crumbling can also be a practical solution when dealing with multiple cheeses. By dedicating a specific knife for crumbling, you can avoid the risk of flavour transfer between different cheeses. This ensures that each cheese retains its unique taste and aroma, allowing your guests to savour the distinct characteristics of each variety.
Lastly, using a designated crumbling knife can be a time-saving measure. Crumbly cheeses can be delicate and require careful handling. By using the right knife, you can expedite the crumbling process, making it more efficient and convenient, especially when serving a variety of cheeses to your guests. Remember, when it comes to cheese presentation and enjoyment, the right tools can make all the difference!
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Frequently asked questions
Crumbly cheeses should be cut with wide, rectangular, open-surface blades. Knives with holes are better for blue cheeses like Roquefort as they stop the veins from sticking to the knife.
Cut the block horizontally first, then cut vertically along the rind. Cut slices across the width of the cheese.
Cut the cheese right before serving. Cut the block horizontally to make it easier to slice, then cut into wedges or small, thin slices.
Crumbly cheeses are better at room temperature as the crumbles congeal. However, hard cheeses are easier to cut straight from the fridge.
