Cherry And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For Summer

Cherries are a versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Some popular combinations include soft, creamy cheeses such as mild goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and ricotta. The sweetness of the cherries complements the tanginess of these cheeses, creating a delicious flavour profile. Additionally, cherries can be paired with sharper cheeses like cheddar, brie, and blue cheese. The contrast between the sweet fruit and the pungency of these cheeses makes for an interesting taste experience. For those who enjoy a more complex pairing, cherries can be combined with aged gouda, as the cheese's smoky undertones and milky-caramel taste enhance the fruit's natural sweetness.

Chevre (goat) cheese and Rainier cherries

Chevre, or goat cheese, is a creamy and soft cheese that is perfect for spreading on crackers or dipping vegetables in. It has a tangy flavour and pairs well with sweeter cherries.

Rainier cherries, also known as golden cherries, are sweet and an excellent match for creamy, slightly sharp goat cheese. The sweetness of the cherries balances the tanginess of the chevre, creating a delightful combination of flavours.

For a simple yet elegant appetizer, spread some chevre on a cracker and top it with a Rainier cherry. You can also add some vegetables, such as carrot sticks or celery, on the side for dipping into the cheese. This pairing is perfect for a warm summer day, enjoyed with a glass of sparkling white wine.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, try making grilled crostini with chevre and Rainier cherries. Start by grilling slices of French baguette. In the meantime, roast the pitted and halved cherries with olive oil, maple syrup, and lemon zest. Once the cherries are nice and juicy, assemble the crostini by spreading some chevre on the grilled baguette slices, adding a spoonful of cherries with their juices, and sprinkling some fresh basil on top.

Chevre and Rainier cherries is a classic combination that showcases the best of both ingredients. The sweetness of the cherries softens the tanginess of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious flavour profile that is sure to impress.

Brie cheese and sweet cherries

The silky texture and mild flavour of Brie cheese go well with the sweet-tart flavour burst and crisp bite of dark-sweet cherry varieties. Bing cherries, in particular, are a great match for creamy, mild-flavoured Brie. This pairing is a delightful summertime snack, especially when accompanied by a gourmet cracker.

For a more savoury option, you could try grilling the Brie and topping it with pan-roasted cherries cooked in butter and bourbon. Drizzle with honey and thyme and serve with toasted bread or crackers. This combination of flavours is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

If you're looking for a quick and easy option, you could try baking the Brie and topping it with a mixture of cherry jam and balsamic vinegar. This simple recipe can be prepared in less than 15 minutes, making it the perfect last-minute party appetiser.

To elevate your Brie and cherry pairing, consider adding a glass of well-chilled, off-dry Rosé with berry notes. This will complement the ripe cherries and mild-tasting Brie without overwhelming your palate.

Goat cheese and roasted cherries

Goat cheese and cherries is a classic combination, with the creamy tanginess of the goat cheese complementing the sweet, juicy burst of the cherries.

Roasting cherries is a simple way to use up ripe fruit, and it adds a different dimension of flavour to this glorious fruit. Roasting cherries with balsamic vinegar brings out their beautiful colour and truly enhances their flavour. They are great served with a simple pound cake, over vanilla ice cream, yoghurt, added to salads, or simply by themselves straight out of the pan.

Balsamic Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini

Crostini with a mix of sweet and savoury flavours via fresh or roasted fruit and fruit jellies are a fantastic appetizer. They are simple to make and easy to 'fancy' up with herb and cheese variations.

To make Balsamic Roasted Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini, you will need:

• Baguette
• Olive oil
• Goat cheese
• Cherries
• Thyme
• Liqueur (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• Honey, hot honey or balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a small bowl, toss the pitted and halved cherries with olive oil, cherry liqueur (if using), balsamic vinegar, thyme, and salt and pepper.
• Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and place on a large sheet pan.
• Place the cherries and their marinating liquid in a separate sheet pan and bake for 5-7 minutes until tender and bubbling.
• Remove both pans from the oven. Spread the goat cheese onto each crostini, top with 2-3 cherry halves, and garnish with a sprig of thyme.
• Drizzle the crostini with honey and a bit of balsamic glaze.
• Top each toast with a pinch of salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Wine Pairing

An off-dry Rosé with berry notes will complement ripe cherries and soft, mild-tasting cheeses without overwhelming the palate. Make sure it's well-chilled!

Cherry-studded white cheddars

As part of their summer releases, some Wisconsin creameries, including Maple Leaf Cheese and Renard's Artisan Cheeses, produce cherry-studded white cheddars. The buttery tang of white cheddar and the tartness of Wisconsin cherries are a natural match.

If you can't get your hands on a ready-made cherry-studded cheddar, you can always create your own by serving a white cheddar alongside cherries. This pairing is perfect for the summer when cherries are in season.

For a more complex flavour profile, try a sharp aged white cheddar. As white cheddar ages, it develops a milky-caramel taste with smoky undertones that won't overpower early-season fruit.

Full-fat feta and watermelon

If you're looking for a more substantial snack or light meal, try spreading some feta on a slice of toasted baguette and topping it with watermelon and basil. This combination of flavours works especially well in the summer, when watermelons are at their most juicy and refreshing.

For a different take on the classic pairing of fruit and cheese, try grilling some watermelon slices and serving them with a dollop of creamy goat's cheese on the side. The slight char from the grill will add a smoky flavour to the watermelon, which will complement the tanginess of the cheese.

So, whether you're enjoying it as a snack, an appetiser, or a light meal, the combination of full-fat feta and watermelon is definitely worth trying. The sweet and juicy watermelon is the perfect foil for the salty, briny feta, and the addition of herbs and citrus zest takes this pairing to the next level.

Frequently asked questions