Ginger's Cheesy Affair: Best Cheese Pairings

Ginger and cheese is an unusual combination, but one that can be surprisingly tasty. Ginger, with its potent heat and beguiling sweetness, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many forms. When it comes to cheese, a good rule of thumb is to explore ginger's sweeter side.

For example, Saint André, an extremely rich, brie-like cheese, pairs beautifully with a sweet and fiery ginger spread. Another option is to dip crystallized ginger in melted dark chocolate and pair it with a creamy, dense blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce PDO or Cashel Blue. If you're feeling creative, you can even add ginger to your mac and cheese for a delicious twist on a classic dish.

So, the next time you're looking to spice up your cheese plate or add a kick to your mac and cheese, consider giving ginger a chance. It might just be the unexpected pairing you never knew you needed.

Port Wine Cheese and Ginger Snaps

Port Wine Cheese is a blend of cheddar and cream cheese kissed with port wine. The key component of this cheese is the port wine, which infuses a sweet and sophisticated flavour into the spread, elevating it to a gourmet level. The cream cheese provides a creamy texture and a mild flavour that complements the other cheeses and the richness of the port wine reduction. Sharp cheddar cheese adds boldness and a savory kick to the spread, pairing well with the sweetness of the port wine.

To make Port Wine Cheese, mix softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, reduced port wine, and fresh herbs and spices to taste. The wine should be reduced to a syrup by boiling off the alcohol first. The cheese and herbs are then creamed together and seasoned, before swirling in the port reduction. The mixture is then transferred to a crock for serving and can be topped with chopped nuts for a crunchy finish.

Ginger, with its potent heat and beguiling sweetness, has become one of the superstar ingredients in Western kitchens. Its versatility means it comes in many forms, offering the opportunity to find the perfect embodiment of ginger to pair with your cheese. For cheese pairing, crystallized ginger, which is dusted with sugar, is the best option as it provides a sweeter mouthful. Uncrystallized ginger, on the other hand, is often spicier and more versatile for baking.

When pairing Port Wine Cheese with ginger, consider the following:

• Dip half of a crystallized ginger slice in melted dark chocolate and enjoy how the sweetness of the chocolate and ginger play off the saltiness of the creamy, dense blue cheese.
• Look for sharp, crumbly cheeses to cut through the rich density of cookie butter or speculoos cookie spreads.
• Pair a sweeter, blended ginger tea with the saltiness of a gentle blue cheese, or steep for longer and pair with a Caerphilly or Castelmagno cheese.

Ginger Mac 'N Cheese

Ginger and cheese is a pairing that can add a delicious twist to your meal. Here is a recipe for Ginger Mac 'N Cheese, a fun take on the classic comfort food.

This recipe serves up to 6 people and takes around an hour to prepare and cook.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. pasta noodles of your choice
• 16 oz. heavy cream
• 16 oz. total of cheese (cheddar, smoked gouda, gruyere, or a mix)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/3 lb bacon, chopped and fried
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 square inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Fresh peppercorn, crushed to taste
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fill a large pan with 6 quarts of water, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bring to a full boil, then add the pasta, reduce the heat, and cook according to the package directions.
• In a large saute pan over medium-low heat, add the sliced or grated cheese, ginger, and cream. Heat and stir until the cheese is completely melted.
• Add flour to help thicken the mixture.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cream and cheese sauce.
• Add the remaining ingredients except the breadcrumbs and mix thoroughly but gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
• Transfer the mixture to an oiled oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
• Bake for 45 minutes uncovered or until the pasta is golden brown.

Tips and Variations:

• You can adjust the amount of ginger to your taste preference. Add more for a spicier kick, or less for a milder flavour.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A nuttier cheese like gruyere can add an interesting flavour dimension.
• If you want to make it extra cheesy, you can increase the amount of cheese, but be careful not to overwhelm the other flavours.
• For a crispy topping, you can broil the mac 'n cheese for a few minutes after baking.
• This dish can be served as a main course or side dish and pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables.

Saint André + ginger

Saint-André is a brand of French triple cream cow's milk cheese with a soft, buttery texture and tangy edible rind. It has a fat content of about 75% and tastes like an intense version of Brie.

The high fat content of Saint-André means it can make white wine taste sour and metallic. The manufacturer recommends pairing it with a crust of baguette and a light beer, or a slice of pear. Oaked Chardonnay wines, which are low in acidity, can also complement Saint-André.

When pairing cheese with ginger, it is best to explore ginger's sweeter side. Sugary candied ginger tends to be available in two forms: crystallized (dusted with sugar) and uncrystallized. For cheese pairing, the crystallized form is better as it provides a sweeter mouthful. The uncrystallized variety is often spicier, although more versatile when it comes to baking.

Blue cheeses offset the sweetness of crystallized ginger nicely. For added decadence, dip half of a crystallized ginger slice in melted dark chocolate and enjoy how the sweetness plays off the salt of a creamy, dense blue.

To incorporate ginger into your meal, you could try a ginger-infused tea. A spicier pure ginger brew pairs well with a bold cheddar, such as Quicke's Vintage. Alternatively, a sweeter, blended tea can balance the salt in a gentle blue, or be steeped for longer and paired with the clean strength of a Caerphilly or a Castelmagno.

Blue cheese and crystallised ginger

For a decadent treat, dip half a slice of crystallised ginger in melted dark chocolate and enjoy the interplay of flavours as the sweetness of the chocolate and ginger meets the saltiness of the cheese.

If you're looking to create a cheese plate, a good blue cheese such as a Gorgonzola or a Saint André pairs beautifully with crystallised ginger. To make the ginger more spreadable, add a touch of water and gently heat it in the microwave for around 20 seconds. This will help it coat the cheese without pooling on the board.

For a simple yet delicious appetizer, combine cream cheese, half-and-half, and chopped crystallised ginger. Sprinkle with almonds and serve with gingersnaps or graham crackers.

So, the next time you're looking to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself, why not give blue cheese and crystallised ginger a try? It's a flavour combination that's sure to delight your taste buds!

Ginger cheese dip with gingersnaps

Ginger and cheese is a surprisingly delightful combination. The sweetness of the ginger is offset nicely by the saltiness of the cheese. Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, are particularly well-suited for pairing with ginger.

For a fun and easy recipe that combines these two ingredients, try making a ginger cheese dip to serve with gingersnaps. This dip is perfect for holiday parties or any time you're looking for a sweet treat. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 8 oz. Cool Whip or whipped cream, thawed

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until fluffy.
• Fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until smooth.
• Cover and chill the dip before serving, if desired.
• Serve with gingersnaps for a delicious treat!

This dip takes just a few minutes to prepare, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the sweet and savoury combination of flavours!

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