Cheese And Berries: A Match Made In Heaven

Berries and cheese are a match made in heaven. Whether you're preparing a summer berry cheese board or a salad with spinach, berries, and cheese, there are endless ways to combine these two food groups. Some classic cheese and berry combinations include strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with goat cheese, sharp white cheddar, and ricotta. For a unique option, try Haystack's Queso de Mano, a raw-milk goat cheese from Colorado. This cheese is described as nutty and herbaceous and pairs perfectly with fresh berries.

Goat's cheese and berries

When creating a cheese and berry platter, it is recommended to choose a variety of cheeses with different flavour profiles to complement the berries and prevent the dish from becoming too sweet. Goat's cheese is an excellent choice as it adds a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish. To enhance the flavour profile further, consider adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze to the goat's cheese.

For the berries, a combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries will provide a mix of sweetness, juiciness, and colour. It is best to use fresh berries, as frozen or canned berries tend to have too much moisture and can affect the texture of the dish.

To assemble the platter, start by placing the cheeses, such as goat's cheese and sharp white cheddar, on a large board or platter. Fill in the larger spaces with whole berries, crackers, and nuts of your choice, such as Marcona almonds. Then, fill in the smaller spaces with sliced strawberries, blueberries, and additional nuts.

For an extra touch of elegance, consider making a blueberry goat cheese log. To create this, make a blueberry sauce by microwaving fresh blueberries and honey, crushing the berries, and adding lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix this sauce with chunks of plain goat cheese, form into a log, and chill before serving with crackers.

Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, the combination of goat's cheese and berries is a delightful way to treat yourself and your guests.

White cheddar and berries

The combination of berries and cheese is a classic, and white cheddar is no exception. The salty, sharp flavour of white cheddar pairs perfectly with the sweetness of berries. Here are some ways you can enjoy this delicious duo:

Berry Cheese Board

Creating a berry cheese board is a wonderful way to showcase the harmony between white cheddar and berries. Start with a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Include a generous amount of sharp white cheddar, sliced or cubed, on your board. You can also add other cheeses like goat cheese and ricotta to create a range of flavours and textures. To enhance the experience, add some crackers, nuts (such as Marcona almonds), and a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. This makes for a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for summer gatherings.

Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese

For a savoury and sweet treat, try making a blueberry white cheddar grilled cheese sandwich. Start by simmering fresh blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and lemon thyme until thickened. Spread this mixture on slices of sourdough bread, then pile on shredded white cheddar and mozzarella. Grill the sandwiches in a hot skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. This sandwich is a fun and unique way to enjoy the combination of white cheddar and berries.

Spinach, White Cheddar, and Berry Salad

For a refreshing option, consider a spinach salad with white cheddar and berries. Combine fresh baby spinach with sliced apples, shredded sharp white cheddar, dried cranberries or other berries, and walnut pieces. You can also add proteins like pulled rotisserie chicken to make it a heartier meal. Top it off with a homemade honey-cider vinaigrette for a tangy and slightly sweet finish. This salad is a perfect choice for a light and nutritious meal during warmer months.

Cheddar Cheese with Blueberries

If you're looking for a ready-made option, you can purchase cheddar cheese that already has blueberries mixed into it. This combination is available from specialty cheese shops or online. The cheese is typically double-milled aged white cheddar blended with blueberries, resulting in a sweet and creamy flavour. It's excellent on its own, shredded into recipes, or even as a dessert cheese. This option is also keto-friendly, with a low carb count and high protein content.

Ricotta and berries

Choosing the Right Ricotta

Using whole milk ricotta is recommended for the best flavour and texture. If you can get your hands on fresh ricotta, go for it! It's less grainy than commercial varieties. However, if you're using store-bought ricotta, blending it with a food processor can help achieve a smoother, creamier consistency.

Sweetening the Ricotta

To enhance the flavour of ricotta and create a dessert-like experience, consider sweetening it with honey and vanilla. Simply blend these ingredients with the ricotta until smooth. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for a brighter flavour.

Selecting the Berries

When it comes to berries, the sky's the limit! Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries all complement ricotta wonderfully. Choose your favourites or go for a mix of berries for a burst of colours and flavours.

Putting It All Together

Now, it's time to assemble your ricotta and berries creation. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Cheese Board: Place the ricotta in a small serving bowl and drizzle with honey. Assemble a variety of cheeses, such as goat cheese and sharp white cheddar, on a large cheese board. Fill the spaces between the cheeses with berries, crackers, and nuts of your choice.
• Parfait: In a tall clear glass, layer the ricotta mixture with berries of your choice. Repeat the layers until the glass is full. Garnish with fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
• Bowl Dessert: Divide the berries among individual bowls. Add a generous dollop of ricotta on top and drizzle with a raspberry sauce or honey. Sprinkle with lemon zest for added freshness.

Whether you're whipping up a summer appetizer or a sweet dessert, the combination of ricotta and berries is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy, fruity delight!

Blueberries and cheese

Cheese Types:

When creating a cheese board or snack platter, it is essential to offer a variety of cheeses with different flavour profiles to complement the blueberries and prevent the dish from becoming too sweet. Some recommended cheeses include:

• Goat cheese: Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a popular choice to pair with blueberries. It has a tangy and creamy flavour that goes well with the sweetness of the blueberries. Goat cheese also works well in salads or spread on crackers.
• Sharp White Cheddar: White cheddar adds a sharp, salty flavour that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of blueberries. It melts well and can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or as part of a cheese board.
• Ricotta: Ricotta, especially when whipped with honey, can add a creamy and slightly sweet element to your cheese board. It pairs well with the acidity of blueberries.
• Mozzarella: When paired with blueberries, mozzarella provides a melty, stretchy texture that is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas:

• Cheese Board: Create a summer berry cheese board by arranging your selected cheeses on a large dish or platter. Fill in the spaces with blueberries, crackers, and nuts of your choice. Marcona almonds are a popular choice, as they pair well with berries and add a touch of elegance.
• Grilled Cheese: For a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, combine blueberries with white cheddar and mozzarella between two slices of sourdough bread. Simmer the blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and lemon thyme until thickened, then spread them over the bread before adding the cheese. Grill the sandwich until it is golden and the cheese has melted.
• Salads: For a refreshing summer salad, combine blueberries, goat cheese, and toasted almonds with baby spinach and a fruity dressing. The sweetness of the blueberries and the tanginess of the cheese complement each other perfectly.
• Cheesecake: If you're feeling adventurous, try making a blueberry cheesecake. This dessert combines a biscuit crust, a creamy blueberry-filled cheesecake, and a glossy blueberry sauce topping. It's a show-stopping way to showcase the delicious pairing of blueberries and cheese.

Spinach, blueberry, and goat's cheese salad

Spinach, blueberry, and goat cheese salad is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served as a side or main course. This salad combines the freshness of spinach, the sweetness of blueberries, and the creaminess of goat cheese, resulting in a delightful blend of flavours and textures. Here is a guide on how to make this tasty treat:

Ingredients:

• Spinach (baby spinach or regular spinach leaves)
• Blueberries (fresh or dried)
• Goat cheese (crumbled or sliced)
• Nuts (pecans, Marcona almonds, or nuts of your choice)
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: strawberries, raspberries, dried cranberries, chicken, shrimp, or salmon

Instructions:

• If desired, toast the nuts to enhance their flavour and texture.
• In a large bowl, combine the spinach, blueberries, and nuts.
• Prepare the dressing by mixing honey, balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small container or jar. Seal and shake vigorously to blend. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, slowly drizzling in the oil until emulsified.
• Add the desired amount of dressing to the salad and toss until the greens are well-coated.
• Sprinkle the goat cheese over the salad. If you prefer larger chunks of cheese, crumble it over the salad after tossing.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• Serve and enjoy!

This salad is best when served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in the fridge. You can also customise this recipe by adding other types of berries, nuts, or cheeses, such as feta or blue cheese.

Frequently asked questions