Cheese And Chocolate: A Match Made In Heaven?

Chocolate and cheese are two foods that are commonly enjoyed separately, but what about together? The combination may not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but it is surprisingly popular. In fact, in Ecuador, it is customary to add a thick chunk of farmer's cheese to hot chocolate. While this may seem like an unusual combination, both chocolate and cheese share similar qualities, such as creamy textures and bursts of salt and sugar, that make them a great match.

Spicy Aztec Organic Dark Chocolate with Aged Goat Cheese

Chocolate and cheese share many of the same descriptions—rich, bold, robust, nutty, and creamy—and make for an unexpectedly flavourful pairing. Both are complex and nuanced, with similar fermentation processes. The process of making chocolate and cheese shares similarities, as they are both fermented. Cacao seeds must be fermented, dried, and roasted to produce the signature chocolate flavour. The final flavour of cheese is attributed to the compounds produced as these microbes ferment.

The general rule for pairings is to match "like with like". This means that you should pair cheeses and chocolates with similar strengths and flavour profiles. For example, a robust and nutty cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano goes great with a hearty dark chocolate with almonds. Dark chocolate has less sugar and a richer taste, so it matches the saltier flavours of aged, complex cheeses. Adding nuts complements the nutty, umami flavour in the cheese.

However, you can also create pairings based on contrasts, so the cheese and chocolate do not overwhelm each other. One classic pairing is a triple cream with dark chocolate. The cream in the triple cream cheese serves as a sweet, buttery accent to the astringent, slightly bitter quality of dark chocolate. Another element to consider when pairing cheese and chocolate is their acidity. If a chocolate is slightly more acidic, perhaps tart and cherry-like in flavour, it will require a cheese that complements and contrasts this flavour, such as a sweet, creamy blue cheese.

When it comes to pairing spicy Aztec organic dark chocolate with aged goat cheese, the contrast between the two creates a delightful combination. Spicy Aztec organic dark chocolate is a unique variety of chocolate with a blend of cayenne, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon, creating a bold and flavourful experience. On the other hand, aged goat cheese is known for its pungent, acidic, and aggressive characteristics, which are balanced by the sweetness of the chocolate. The aged goat cheese has a crunchy texture and a strong flavour that can stand up to the spiciness of the chocolate. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy notes that tantalize the taste buds.

To fully enjoy this pairing, it is recommended to serve the chocolate and cheese at room temperature and sample each pairing simultaneously, allowing the flavours to meld together. Additionally, consider adding a glass of wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, to further enhance the experience.

Parmigiano Reggiano with Dark Chocolate

Parmigiano Reggiano and dark chocolate is a classic pairing. Parmigiano Reggiano is a robust and nutty cheese, pairing well with the rich, hearty taste of dark chocolate. The saltiness of the aged cheese is complemented by the reduced sugar content of the dark chocolate.

Aged cheeses tend to be less acidic, so they go well with chocolates with fillings like almonds, honey, or maple. The nuttiness of the Parmigiano Reggiano is enhanced by the addition of almonds or other nuts.

For a unique twist on this pairing, try a Parmesan Walnut and Fig Chocolate Bar. This combination brings together Mediterranean flavours, including 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, Turkish figs, California walnuts, and a touch of Tellicherry pepper in 62% dark chocolate.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, try a grilled cheese sandwich with parmigiano-reggiano, dark chocolate, and balsamic vinegar. The salty, nutty cheese complements the gooey, dark chocolate, and the balsamic vinegar deepens the flavour profile.

When serving, remember to follow the general rule of "like with like". Place the cheese and chocolate together on a board, and consider adding meats, fruits, herbs, or edible flowers to garnish.

Hot Chocolate with Gruyère

Hot chocolate with cheese is a popular combination in Ecuador, but it is also enjoyed in Colombia, where it is customary to drop a slice of cheese into a cup of hot chocolate. The cheese melts into the hot chocolate, creating a rich drink with a cheesy surprise at the bottom, which can be scooped up with toasted bread.

The Cheese

Gruyère is a dense, nutty Swiss cheese with a low melting point, making it an excellent choice for hot chocolate. It has a sweet and nutty flavour that pairs well with the cocoa notes in hot chocolate. Gruyère's smooth and creamy texture will melt seamlessly into the hot chocolate, creating a decadent and indulgent treat.

The Chocolate

When choosing a hot chocolate to pair with Gruyère, opt for a classic variety with a high cocoa content. Look for a rich and full-bodied hot chocolate that will complement the sweetness of the cheese. Avoid overly sweet or sugary hot chocolates, as they may overpower the delicate flavours of the Gruyère.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your hot chocolate with Gruyère, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top and a dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon. For a more indulgent experience, serve it with a side of toasted bread or crostini, which can be used to scoop up the melted cheese at the bottom of the cup.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with adding a twist of sea salt or a splash of orange liqueur to your hot chocolate to enhance the flavours.

Pairing Tips

When pairing cheese and chocolate, it's essential to consider the strength and flavour profiles of both elements. In general, it's best to match "like with like," pairing cheeses and chocolates of similar strengths and flavours. For example, a robust and nutty cheese like Gruyère pairs well with a hearty and nutty hot chocolate.

Additionally, it's recommended to taste the cheese and chocolate separately before combining them, as this can help you better appreciate the complex flavours that emerge when they are brought together.

Extra Dark Chocolate with Blue Cheese

When it comes to pairing chocolate with cheese, it's all about finding the perfect balance of flavours. The right combination can create a delightful contrast, enhancing the tasting experience. One such pairing that exemplifies this harmony is extra dark chocolate with blue cheese.

Extra dark chocolate, with its intense flavour, is an ideal match for the bold and pungent character of blue cheese. The high cocoa content in extra dark chocolate, typically 70% or higher, provides a depth of flavour that can stand up to the strong personality of blue cheese. This type of chocolate often has subtle notes of nuttiness, minerality, and flint, which are accentuated by the sharpness of blue cheese.

Blue cheese, renowned for its sharp and pungent aroma, adds a distinctive touch to the pairing. Its creamy texture and sharp flavour profile enhance the deep vanilla undertones of the extra dark chocolate. The fatty acids present in blue cheese also help to temper the bitterness of the chocolate, creating a smoother taste experience.

To fully appreciate this pairing, it is recommended to follow a few simple guidelines. Firstly, allow both the extra dark chocolate and blue cheese to come to room temperature before indulging. This ensures that the flavours and textures are at their most expressive. Secondly, when tasting, take a bite of the blue cheese first, followed by the extra dark chocolate. This sequence allows the cheese to cleanse the palate, preparing it for the full impact of the chocolate's flavour.

For an even more indulgent experience, consider adding a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon to the mix. The wine's bold character and fruity notes will beautifully complement the richness of the extra dark chocolate and the pungency of the blue cheese.

When creating this pairing, it's important to remember that the strength of the extra dark chocolate and the intensity of the blue cheese may not be to everyone's taste. However, for those who embrace bold flavours, this combination can be a delightful discovery.

Milk Chocolate with Goat Cheese

Milk chocolate and goat cheese is a pairing that brings together two creamy and subtly sweet flavours. The key to this combination is to balance the sweetness of the milk chocolate with the tangy, bright and acidic notes of the goat cheese.

When selecting a milk chocolate for this pairing, consider a bar with a hint of minerality or a milk chocolate with salty-sweet inclusions, such as sea salt and almonds. The slight saltiness will enhance the sweet and creamy characteristics of the goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

For the goat cheese, opt for a soft ripened variety, such as a fresh chevre. These cheeses tend to be more pungent and acidic, providing a nice counterpoint to the milk chocolate. Look for bright, herbaceous notes in the cheese to complement the sweetness of the chocolate. Alternatively, a young goat cheese with a lemony tang can be paired with a fruity dark chocolate to create a chocolate cheesecake-like experience.

To fully enjoy this pairing, follow these steps:

• Smell the cheese and chocolate first to engage your senses.
• Take a bite of the goat cheese, savouring its creamy and tangy flavours.
• Follow it with a bite of the milk chocolate, allowing its sweet and creamy notes to melt on your palate.
• Finally, take a bite of both the cheese and chocolate together, savouring the interplay of flavours.

For a fun twist, you can also create a chocolate and cheese board, placing the goat cheese and milk chocolate alongside other complementary treats, such as fruits, meats, herbs, and crackers.

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