Patrick Oconnell
Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to burgers. It has a unique tangy, creamy flavour and a crumbly texture. When it comes to shaving or cutting goat's cheese, the technique depends on the shape of the cheese. For example, round cheeses should be cut like a cake, working from the centre outwards, while long cheeses should be cut into round slices. The type of knife used is also important, with a traditional knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end being a popular choice for goat's cheese. In addition, there are various tools and methods to achieve the perfect cut, such as using dental floss or a cheese harp for thin, precise slices.
How to Shave Goat Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Knife, cheese harp, dental floss |
| Techniques | Cut from the center outward, cut from mildest to strongest flavor, cut according to shape |
| Presentation | Clean cuts, triangular wedges, equal parts |
| Flavor | Herbs, nuts, salt, honey, fruit |
| Texture | Soft, creamy, crumbly |
| Storage | Refrigerate |
| Serving | Allow to come to room temperature before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Use dental floss for a clean cut
Goat cheese, or chèvre cheese, is a delicious and creamy cheese with a unique flavour and texture. When preparing a platter, it is important to cut the cheese correctly to preserve the aromas and extend the shelf life of the cheese. While there are different types of knives and cheese harps available for cutting goat cheese, dental floss can also be used to create a clean cut.
Using dental floss to cut goat cheese is a simple and effective method. First, cut a piece of dental floss long enough to wrap around your fingers a few times, leaving enough length to cut through the cheese. Wrap the floss around your fingers, holding it taut, and then pull it downward through the cheese. This technique is especially useful for soft and creamy goat cheeses, as it creates a clean cut without crushing or crumbling the cheese.
It is important to use unflavoured floss to avoid any unwanted minty or fruity flavours in your cheese! This technique is a great way to create even slices of goat cheese and can be easily adjusted for different-sized cheeses. For larger cheeses, you may need to cut a longer piece of floss and wrap it around your fingers multiple times to ensure it is taut and secure.
Dental floss can also be used in combination with a knife to cut goat cheese. For example, you can use the floss to slice through the cheese horizontally, and then use a knife to cut vertical slices. This can create a neat presentation and ensure that each slice is the same size and thickness.
Using dental floss to shave goat cheese is a creative and practical solution that can be easily adapted to suit your needs. It ensures a clean cut and helps to preserve the texture and flavour of the cheese. So, the next time you need to cut some goat cheese, don't reach for a knife—grab some dental floss instead!
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Cut from the centre to the edge
When it comes to cutting goat cheese, the technique depends on the shape of the cheese. For round cheeses, the best approach is to cut from the centre outward to the rind, creating equally sized triangular wedges, much like cutting a cake. This method ensures that each portion contains a fair distribution of flavours and textures, from the softest, creamiest centre to the more pronounced flavour of the rind.
For long, log-shaped goat cheeses, the cutting technique differs. These cheeses should be cut into round slices, capturing the different layers of the cheese. To avoid ending up with a final portion that is solely rind, it is recommended to carve a tip on each slice. From there, you can cut parallel slices lengthwise from the tip or diagonally from the edge.
Pyramid-shaped goat cheeses also require a specific cutting technique. Thin triangular portions should be cut from the centre, moving downward through the height of the cheese. This method ensures that each serving includes a cross-section of flavours and textures.
For small goat cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol or Chabichou du Poitou, the key is to divide them into equal parts from the centre to the edge. This ensures that each piece has a similar composition and taste profile.
When cutting goat cheese, it is important to use the right tools. A traditional knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end is a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts. Alternatively, a cheese harp, fitted with a cheese-cutting wire, can create clean, thin, and precise cuts, reducing the likelihood of crumbling. To prevent the transfer of distinct flavours, it is essential to wipe the knife clean between cuts.
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Use a cheese knife or cheese harp
Using a cheese knife or cheese harp is the best way to shave goat cheese and ensure you get the perfect cut. The type of knife you use is important as it can affect the flavour and texture of the cheese. A cheese knife with a thin blade is ideal for soft cheeses, while a sharp chef's knife is more suitable for firmer cheeses. Goat cheese, or chèvre, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the right knife will help you evenly distribute flavours and nuances between portions.
A traditional cheese knife with a curved tip and twin-forked end is a good option for goat cheese. This type of knife is designed to handle the consistency, texture, and type of goat cheese. If you only have one knife, remember to wipe it clean between cuts to avoid mixing flavours.
A cheese harp, on the other hand, is a less well-known but effective tool for shaving goat cheese logs. It is fitted with a cheese-cutting wire that allows you to make clean, thin, and precise cuts, ensuring the cheese won't crumble. The cheese harp is a popular choice among goat cheese enthusiasts as it provides a smooth and efficient cutting experience.
When using a cheese knife or cheese harp, it is important to consider the shape and size of the goat cheese you are working with. For round cheeses, cut from the center outward to create same-sized triangular wedges, similar to how you would cut a cake. Long cheeses, such as logs, should be cut into round slices, while pyramid-shaped cheeses can be cut into thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese.
By following these guidelines and using the right tools, such as a cheese knife or cheese harp, you can master the art of shaving goat cheese and impress your guests with a beautifully presented and flavourful cheese platter.
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Flavour with herbs, spices, or nuts
Goat cheese is a tangy soft cheese that pairs well with a variety of herbs, spices, and nuts. When choosing herbs to pair with goat cheese, consider the other ingredients in your dish and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavours.
Herbs
Herbs commonly paired with goat cheese include dill, chives, basil, rosemary, and garlic. Dill is particularly well-suited for goat cheese, as its fresh and fragrant nature complements the cheese's distinct flavour. Chives, on the other hand, offer a subtle onion flavour that enhances the tanginess of the goat cheese. Chives are also a classic pairing for goat cheese in dishes like tarts, quiches, and salads.
Other herbs that go well with goat cheese include thyme, Italian basil, Thai basil, mint, tarragon, parsley, and rosemary. You can also experiment with spice blends like herbes de Provence, za'atar, or dukkah.
Spices
Goat cheese also pairs well with spices like garlic, lemon zest, and scallions. Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy zing to the cheese, while garlic enhances its tanginess and adds depth and complexity to its flavour profile.
Nuts
When it comes to nuts, chopped almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans can add a nice crunch to your goat cheese dish.
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Pair with wine, salad, or fruit
Shaved goat cheese can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. Here are some ideas for pairing goat cheese with wine, salad, or fruit:
Pairing Goat Cheese with Wine
When pairing wine with goat cheese, it is a good idea to remember the saying, "What grows together, goes together." Goat cheese is commonly produced in the Loire Valley of France, so pairing it with wines from this region, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc, is an excellent choice. Sauvignon Blanc, with its acidity, mineral notes, and citrus flavours, pairs well with the tart, earthy nature of goat cheese. Alternatively, Cabernet Franc, a lighter-style red wine with herbaceous notes and tart acidity from the same region, can also complement the cheese without overwhelming its soft, impressionable nature.
If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing different varieties of goat cheese with specific types of wine. For instance, goat cheddar pairs well with Pinot Noir, while goat gouda goes well with a cool-climate Syrah. Herbed chèvre is best complemented by Vermentino, a complex yet affordable alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. For blue goat cheese, natural wine is a good choice, and for aged goat cheese, a Merlot or a red wine from cool climates like Gamay, Malbec, or Syrah can be a safe bet.
Pairing Goat Cheese with Salad
Goat cheese can be a delicious addition to salads, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavour. A simple yet tasty combination is a salad made with arugula, Lebanese cucumbers, purple onions, grapes, and dried cranberries, topped with shaved goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette. This blend of sweet and savoury flavours, with a tangy twist, is perfect for a summer evening.
Pairing Goat Cheese with Fruit
When pairing goat cheese with fruit, look for complementary flavours. Fresh goat cheese often has a tangy, tart flavour that pairs well with candied citrus peel, lemon curd, or fresh raspberries and blackberries. Dried fruits like cranberries, prunes, or tropical fruits such as dried pineapple or mango can also be excellent choices, adding a fun and unexpected twist to your cheese board.
Grapes are a classic pairing with cheese, as their acidity helps to cleanse the palate and enhance the taste experience. So, the next time you serve goat cheese, consider adding some juicy grapes on the side for a refreshing contrast.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut round goat cheese like a cake, working from the center outward to the rind and serving same-sized triangular wedges.
The traditional knife for goat cheese has a curved tip and a twin-forked end. If you want to make a clean, thin, and precise cut, a cheese harp is a good option.
Cut long goat cheeses into round slices.
Cut thin triangular portions from the center down through the height of the cheese. To avoid the last portion being just the rind, always carve a tip on each piece.
A Sauvignon Blanc, especially one from Sancerre, pairs well with goat cheese. The acidity of the wine will cut through the creaminess of the cheese and enhance its flavors.
