Cheese And Peach Jam: A Perfect Pairing

The combination of cheese and fruit is a heavenly pairing that dates back to the Middle Ages. When it comes to cheese and jam, the key is to create a balance of complementary flavours, rather than one flavour overpowering the other. With peach jam, a few cheese options are available that will create a delightful combination. These include pecorino sardo, gorgonzola, and fossa cheese. For a bolder flavour, a stronger blue cheese can be paired with peach jam.

Peach jam and goat cheese

When creating a cheese plate, consider adding crackers, slices of baguette, or sturdy bread for a textural contrast. Fresh herbs, such as basil, or microgreens can also enhance the visual appeal and add a crunchy element. Salty cured meats, olives, or acidic fruits like apples or citrus can provide a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the jam and the creaminess of the cheese.

For a grilled cheese sandwich, the combination of peach jam and goat cheese can be a delightful surprise. The jam can be spread directly onto the bread, with the cheese melted on top, or the jam can be used as a dipping sauce for the sandwich.

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of jams. Its spreadable, smooth texture and tangy flavour make it an ideal companion for the sweetness of peach jam. The key to a successful pairing is to ensure that neither the jam nor the cheese overwhelms the other, creating a sophisticated and complementary taste experience.

When serving jam and cheese together, it is recommended to chill the jam and serving dish to maintain its freshness and appearance. Additionally, it is suggested to serve the jam and cheese as accompaniments to each other rather than mixing them together. This allows individuals to customise their own pairings and enjoy the unique flavours of each component.

So, whether you're creating a sophisticated cheese plate or a unique grilled cheese sandwich, the combination of peach jam and goat cheese is sure to impress and satisfy.

Peach jam and stronger blue cheeses

When creating this pairing, it's important to remember that the jam and cheese should be served as separate accompaniments, allowing your guests to enjoy the unique flavours of each ingredient before savouring their combination. To elevate this pairing even further, consider serving it with wine, additional fruits, black walnuts, smoked almonds, artisan bread, or fresh herbs like basil.

For a truly memorable experience, opt for a high-quality, sophisticated blue cheese such as a Stilton or a Roquefort. These strong, pungent cheeses will stand up to the sweetness of the peach jam, creating a complex and intriguing flavour profile. The key is to look for bold, assertive blues that will not be overpowered by the jam.

When it comes to presentation, a wood or slate cheese board will provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant colours of the peach jam and blue cheese. Consider adding other complementary flavours and textures to the board, such as crunchy crackers, whole-fruit jams, and salty cured meats. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavours, all coming together to create a delightful sensory experience.

So, the next time you're looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a sophisticated snack, give peach jam and stronger blue cheese a try. With the perfect balance of sweet and bold flavours, this pairing is sure to become one of your favourites.

Peach jam and baked brie

Baked brie and peach jam is a delicious combination that can be served as an appetizer or dessert. This pairing is a perfect blend of sweet and savoury, with the warm, gooey brie complementing the sweet peach jam.

To make baked brie with peach jam, you will need the following ingredients:

• Brie cheese
• Peach jam or peach preserves
• Toasted almonds, pecans or other nuts of your choice
• Crackers, crostini, pita chips, bagel chips, or ginger snap cookies for serving
• Preheat your oven to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Remove the brie from its packaging and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Keep the rind intact, as it is edible and helps hold the soft cheese together.
• Spread the desired amount of peach jam on top of the brie. You can also fill the brie with the jam if you prefer.
• Sprinkle the toasted nuts of your choice on top of the jam. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts would all work well.
• Bake the brie for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is very soft and melted.
• Let the baked brie cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve with your choice of crackers, crostini, pita chips, bagel chips, or even ginger snaps for a sweeter taste.

This recipe is simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering, potluck, or a last-minute get-together with friends. It's a crowd-pleaser that your guests will surely enjoy!

Peach jam and pecorino sardo

On the other hand, peach jam, with its vibrant hue and luscious texture, brings a burst of sweetness to the pairing. The combination of these two ingredients creates a delightful interplay of flavours, where the sweetness of the jam is balanced by the mild, creamy cheese.

When serving peach jam with pecorino sardo, it is essential to present them in a way that showcases their distinct characteristics while allowing their flavours to complement each other. Avoid mixing the jam and cheese together, as this may overpower the delicate nuances of each. Instead, offer them side by side, allowing yourself and your guests to savour each component individually before indulging in the harmonious combination.

In terms of accompaniments, consider serving the peach jam and pecorino sardo with fresh fruits, particularly peaches and pears, as suggested by Italian culinary traditions. The natural sweetness of these fruits will further enhance the flavour profile of the pairing. Additionally, a light white wine or a fruity Italian red wine, such as cannonau, can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and jam.

For a more substantial dish, pecorino sardo is incredibly versatile. It can be incorporated into baked pasta dishes, quiches, frittatas, and salads, adding a creamy texture and subtle flavour. However, when pairing with peach jam, it is best to keep the dish simple, allowing the flavours of the cheese and jam to shine without competition from other ingredients.

Peach jam and gorgonzola

For instance, you can make Gorgonzola, Peach Jam, and Almond Tartlets, which are an elegant and quick appetizer for a dinner party. Mini filo shells are filled with chunks of gorgonzola cheese, peach jam, and toasted, salted almonds. The combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy is very satisfying and makes for the perfect appetizer to have with cocktails or a glass of wine.

Another option is to make bruschetta with gorgonzola and peaches. This recipe involves brushing slices of crusty bread with olive oil, broiling them until lightly browned, and then rubbing them with garlic. The bread is then topped with gorgonzola cheese and fresh peach slices, which are drizzled with olive oil and broiled for an additional 1-2 minutes until the peaches are soft and hot.

For a heartier dish, you can also try grilled filet mignon with gorgonzola, pancetta, and peach balsamic jam. This dish involves grilling filet steaks and topping them with gorgonzola cheese and pancetta, served with a fresh peach jam made from peaches, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and brown sugar.

In general, strongly-flavoured cheeses like gorgonzola pair well with assertively-flavoured jams like peach, while milder cheeses go better with more subtly-flavoured jams.

Frequently asked questions