Cheese And Cherry Jam: A Perfect Pairing

Combining cheese with sweet fruit and fruit preserves is a tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages. While the pairing of cheese and jam is entrenched in Italy and France, it has become a staple of European dinner tables and party platters. The sharpness of the cheese is usually balanced by the sweetness of the jam. Cherry jam, for example, is tangy and can be paired with mellow or robust, sharp cheese. Some cheeses that go well with cherry jam include brie, camembert, chevre, Roquefort, Grana, Gruyere, Asiago, and Manchego Viejo.

Cherry jam with soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Chevre, or Roquefort

Cherry jam is a versatile preserve that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. When it comes to soft cheeses, Brie, Camembert, Chevre, and Roquefort are excellent choices to accompany the sweet and tangy cherry jam.

Let's start with Brie, a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour that pairs beautifully with fruity preserves. Brie has an edible rind of white mould, giving it a unique, subtle taste. Its creamy texture makes it a perfect match for cherry jam, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours.

Camembert, often described as the "King of Cheeses", is another rich and creamy cheese that complements cherry jam perfectly. The sweet and milky flavours of Camembert are enhanced by the tartness of the cherry jam, resulting in a complex and intriguing flavour profile that is sure to impress any cheese connoisseur.

For those who enjoy a mild, buttery flavour, Chevre is an ideal choice. This soft, creamy, and spreadable cheese has a bright, tangy, and tangy flavour that pairs exceptionally well with cherry jam. Together, they create a heavenly combination that is simply irresistible.

Lastly, Roquefort, a strong and pungent blue cheese, also goes well with cherry jam. The sweetness of the jam balances out the boldness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

When pairing cherry jam with soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Chevre, or Roquefort, it's important to consider the intensity of the cheese and the sweetness of the jam. The key is to find a harmonious balance between the two, where neither overpowers the other. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is usually enough to create the perfect flavour combination.

In conclusion, cherry jam and soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Chevre, or Roquefort make for a delightful pairing, offering a unique sensory experience that combines creamy textures with sweet and tangy flavours.

Cherry jam with blue cheese

Cherry jam is a versatile preserve that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. While it is a tangy preserve with some sweetness, it is often paired with robust, sharp cheeses like Grana Cheese, Gruyere, Asiago (Vecchio or Stravecchio), or Manchego Viejo. These hard, aged cheeses complement the sweetness of the cherry jam, creating a unique flavour profile that is sure to impress.

However, cherry jam can also be paired with milder cheeses, such as soft cheeses with a strong flavour like Brie, Camembert, Chevre, or Roquefort. The saltiness and tanginess of these cheeses balance the sweetness of the jam, resulting in a delightful combination.

For a more indulgent option, consider pairing cherry jam with blue cheese. The salty, tangy, and creamy notes of blue cheese create a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the jam. When paired with cocoa biscuits or crackers, this combination becomes a decadent dessert, especially when enjoyed with a glass of red wine.

When creating the perfect pairing, it is essential to consider the intensity of the cheese's flavour and how well it will complement the sweetness of the jam. The key is to find a balance between the two, ensuring that neither ingredient overpowers the other.

• Cashel Crozier Blue: An Irish blue cheese that is creamy and slightly salty.
• Cambozola: A decadent blend of French Triple Cream Brie and Italian Gorgonzola.
• Jasper Cellars Bayley Hazen Blue: A stellar blue cheese that stands out in this pairing.
• Point Reyes Bay or Original Blue Cheese: These varieties offer a unique twist to the classic combination.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious snack or wanting to impress your guests, consider pairing cherry jam with blue cheese. Don't forget to add some cocoa biscuits or crackers on the side for a truly indulgent experience!

Cherry jam with Grana, Gruyere, Asiago, or Manchego Viejo cheese

Cherry jam is a versatile preserve that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. While it is tangy, and therefore classically paired with mellow cheese, most cheese experts prefer to match it with robust, sharp cheeses. Here are some examples of cheeses that complement cherry jam:

Grana Cheese

Grana cheese is a mature hard cheese with a complex flavour profile. It is an excellent pairing with cherry jam as the sharpness of the cheese balances the sweetness of the jam. The tanginess of the cherry jam also helps to bring out the nuttier, richer, and savoury notes of the Grana cheese.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a nutty and savory cheese with strong sweet undertones. The sweetness of the Gruyere cheese pairs well with the tangy cherry jam, creating a delightful harmony of flavours.

Asiago (Vecchio or Stravecchio)

Asiago is a versatile cheese with a rich, nutty flavour. Its sweetness pairs well with the tangy cherry jam, creating a well-rounded flavour combination. Asiago Vecchio or Stravecchio, which are aged varieties of Asiago, have a sharper taste that can stand up to the tanginess of the jam.

Manchego Viejo

Manchego Viejo is a mature hard cheese with a strong flavour. Its sharpness and nuttiness pair well with the tangy cherry jam, creating a complex and satisfying flavour combination.

Cherry jam with goat cheese

Combining savoury cheese with sweet fruit preserves like jams has been a thing since the Middle Ages. The French, in particular, are known for their love of this sweet-and-savoury combination.

Cherry jam is tangy and sweet, and it goes well with both mellow and sharp cheeses. One such cheese is goat cheese, which is tangy and savoury.

Goat Cheese and Cherry Jam Tartines

This recipe involves toasting or grilling slices of baguette, rubbing them with garlic, and then spreading on a mixture of goat's cheese, lemon rind and juice, and rosemary. Warm some cherry jam in the microwave and dollop it on top of the goat cheese toasts. Serve with a mixed leaf salad.

Prosciutto, Goat Cheese, and Cherry Jam Rolls

This recipe involves spreading goat cheese and cherry jam on slices of prosciutto and topping them with lettuce dressed in lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, carefully roll up the prosciutto and serve.

Crushed Goat's Cheese with Pepper and Black Cherry Jam

This recipe comes from the south of France. It involves crushing together goat's cheese, pepper, lemon juice, and thyme, and then drizzling the mixture with olive oil. Serve with French bread and black cherry jam.

Cherry jam with cream cheese

Cherry jam and cream cheese is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours. The richness of the cream cheese is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the cherry jam. This pairing is not just delicious but also highly nutritious, providing a good source of protein, calcium, vitamins A and C, and energy.

When it comes to creating a cherry jam and cream cheese dish, there are numerous ways to combine these ingredients to create a tasty snack, appetiser, or light meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cherry Jam and Cream Cheese Crostini: Spread a mixture of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated provolone cheese on baguette slices, and top with cherry jam. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Bagel Sandwiches: Spread cream cheese on a bagel and top it with cherry jam. You can also add other ingredients like peanut butter or fruit.
• Crackers and Fruit: Pair cream cheese and cherry jam with crackers and fresh fruit, such as a crusty baguette, for a simple yet tasty snack.
• Dessert: Serve cream cheese and cherry jam as a dessert, perhaps with some fresh fruit or a glass of wine.
• Crostini with Goat Cheese: For a tangy twist, try creamy goat cheese instead of cream cheese on your crostini. Top with cracked black pepper for an extra kick.
• Grilled Cheese: For a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, try adding cream cheese and cherry jam to the filling.

When preparing any of these dishes, remember that the ratio of jam to cheese matters. Too much or too little jam can throw off the balance of flavours. A small dollop of jam per slice of cheese is usually enough to create a harmonious combination without overwhelming either ingredient.

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