Cheese And Sour Cherry Spread: A Perfect Pairing

Sour cherry spread is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create delicious appetizers, snacks, or desserts. The spread is made from ripe summertime cherries, giving it a unique sweet and tart flavour that complements both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used as a topping for scones, biscuits, and ice cream or as a glaze for meats and vegetables. When paired with cheese, sour cherry spread adds a new dimension of flavour, making it a popular choice for charcuterie boards and cheese plates.

Sour cherry spread with blue cheese and pecans

Sour cherry spread is a versatile condiment that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is an excellent pairing for blue cheese, especially when combined with pecans. This combination makes for a delightful addition to any cheese plate or charcuterie board.

To create a simple yet elegant appetiser, start by slicing a French baguette at an angle. Brush the slices with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then toast them in the oven. Spread some creamy goat cheese or brie on the toasted baguette slices and top with sour cherry spread and chopped pecans. This can also be made into a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich.

For a more indulgent option, try baking brie with a topping of sour cherry spread, thyme, and chopped pecans. The warmth of the baked brie will intensify the flavours of the spread, creating a delightful contrast of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes.

If you're feeling adventurous, try making a blue cheese spread with pecans. Combine cream cheese, butter, blue cheese, chopped pecans, chives, and cream sherry to taste. Mix until smooth, then refrigerate for at least eight hours to allow the flavours to meld. Serve this spread with crackers or toasted baguette slices, and enjoy the contrast of the tangy blue cheese and sweet-tart cherry spread, all brought together by the crunchy pecans.

Sour cherry spread is also a fantastic addition to savoury dishes. It can be used to create a quick pan sauce for lamb chops or pork chops, adding a burst of flavour to your weeknight meals. Simply warm the spread in a saucepan with a dash of balsamic vinegar, a knob of butter, and some fresh thyme, then spoon over your cooked chops for a sophisticated dinner.

Sour cherry spread with Camembert and walnuts

To create this pairing, start by allowing your Camembert to come to room temperature. Cold temperatures mute the flavours and keep the texture firm, so removing it from the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before serving is ideal. Meanwhile, you can prepare the walnuts by toasting them lightly to enhance their flavour and crunch.

When you're ready to serve, spread the sour cherry spread on a cracker or a slice of bread, such as a baguette or a crostini. Top it with a slice of Camembert and a few walnut pieces. The contrast of the crisp bread and crunchy walnuts against the creamy cheese will create a perfect bite. You can also drizzle honey over the cheese for an added touch of sweetness.

This pairing is a wonderful way to elevate your snacking experience and impress your guests. The combination of flavours and textures will tantalise your taste buds and create a delightful culinary symphony. Enjoy this indulgent treat with a glass of Champagne or a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Noir to further enhance the experience.

Sour cherry spread with Emmental Swiss and speck

Sour cherry spread is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, meats, pastries, and desserts. When it comes to creating a flavourful and sophisticated pairing, consider combining sour cherry spread with Emmental Swiss and speck. Here's a detailed guide to this delightful trio:

Emmental Swiss Cheese:

Emmental, also known as Emmenthaler, Emmenthal, or Emmenthaler, is a traditional Swiss cheese that originated in the Emme Valley of Switzerland. It is a semi-hard to medium-hard, yellow cheese with distinctive holes, known as "eyes." Emmental has a mild, slightly buttery, and subtly fruity flavour with a nutty aroma. Its thin rind bears the mark of its origin. This cheese is perfect for melting and is a popular choice for sauces and fondue.

Speck:

Speck is a type of cured meat, often served as part of a charcuterie board. It is similar to prosciutto but has a smokier flavour. Speck is typically made from the hind leg of pork and is dry-cured, seasoned, and aged. It adds a savoury, salty element to the pairing.

Sour Cherry Spread:

Sour cherry spread is a condiment made from ripe, summertime cherries. It has a unique sweet and tart flavour profile, creating a mouth-puckering sensation. The spread is smoother than traditional jam, making it ideal for spreading on cheeses and other foods. The tartness of the spread beautifully complements the mild, nutty notes of Emmental Swiss, creating a well-rounded flavour combination.

Pairing Suggestions:

When pairing these three ingredients, consider the following suggestions:

• Create a charcuterie board: Arrange slices of Emmental Swiss and speck on a board, with a small bowl of sour cherry spread on the side. This allows your palate to experience the individual flavours and textures before combining them in each bite.
• Make savoury crostini: Toast slices of French baguette, spread with sour cherry spread, and top with thin slices of Emmental Swiss and speck. The crisp bread provides a textural contrast to the creamy cheese and tangy spread.
• Explore sweet and savoury combinations: Sour cherry spread is versatile and can be paired with both sweet and savoury ingredients. For a unique twist, try spreading it on a scone or biscuit, adding a slice of Emmental Swiss, and topping it with a piece of speck for a sweet and savoury bite.
• Create a festive cheese plate: During the holidays, a cheese plate featuring Emmental Swiss, speck, and sour cherry spread is a delightful offering for guests. The red colour of the spread adds a festive touch to the presentation.

In conclusion, the combination of sour cherry spread with Emmental Swiss and speck offers a delightful interplay of flavours and textures. The mild, nutty, and buttery notes of Emmental Swiss beautifully complement the sweet and tart cherry spread, while the smoky, salty speck adds a savoury contrast. By experimenting with these ingredients, you can create elegant and flavourful pairings that are sure to impress.

Sour cherry spread with Taleggio and toasts

Sour cherry spread is a versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savoury contexts. One way to enjoy it is by pairing it with cheese and toasts. Specifically, Taleggio—a semi-soft Italian cheese with a strong aroma and fruity notes—is a recommended pairing for sour cherry spread.

To create a delicious and elegant appetiser, start by choosing a complementary type of bread for your toasts. A French baguette, sliced at an angle, is an excellent option. Brush the bread slices with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then toast them in the oven until they are golden and crispy. Next, spread a generous amount of Taleggio cheese onto each toast, ensuring it is at room temperature to allow for easy spreading. Finally, top the cheese with a dollop of sour cherry spread. The contrast between the creamy, savoury cheese and the sweet-tart cherry spread will create a delightful flavour combination.

For an added touch of sophistication, you can garnish the toasts with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This appetiser is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying as a special treat.

If you're feeling creative, here are some additional ways to enjoy sour cherry spread:

• Spread it on scones, biscuits, or croissants for a sweet breakfast treat.
• Use it as a glaze for meats like ham or pork.
• Create a unique grilled cheese sandwich by pairing it with Brie.
• Add it to yogurt parfaits or ice cream for a tangy dessert.
• Mix it into marinades for barbecued meats or use it as a sticky glaze for ribs, meatballs, or wings.

Sour cherry spread with creamy goat's cheese

Sour cherry spread and creamy goat's cheese is a delicious combination that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Crostini

Slice a French baguette at an angle, brush with olive oil and a little salt, then toast in the oven. Spread on some creamy goat's cheese and top with sour cherry spread and a touch of cracked black pepper. This elegant and easy-to-make appetiser is sure to impress your guests.

Cheese Plate

Create a stunning visual and flavourful experience by pairing your creamy goat's cheese with sour cherry spread on a cheese plate. The tanginess of the cheese will be beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the spread, creating a delightful contrast. You can also add other complementary cheeses such as blue cheese, aged goat's cheese, baked brie, or camembert to create a diverse and enticing selection.

Phyllo Tarts

For a more intricate dish, try making mini phyllo tarts. Cut cubes of creamy goat's cheese and place them into mini phyllo tart shells. Top each tart with a dollop of sour cherry spread and bake until golden. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra touch of flavour and colour. These tarts are perfect for entertaining or adding a fancy touch to your meal.

Salad

For a refreshing and unexpected combination, try pairing your creamy goat's cheese with sour cherry spread in a salad. The sweetness of the spread will contrast nicely with the tanginess of the cheese, and the addition of fresh greens and other vegetables will create a well-rounded dish. You can also add nuts or dried fruit to enhance the flavour and texture.

Dessert

Don't forget that sour cherry spread and creamy goat's cheese can also be a delightful end to your meal. Try spreading the cheese on a scone or biscuit and topping it with the spread, or get creative and use them as ingredients in a cheesecake or other baked dessert. The versatility of this combination knows no bounds!

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