Improve Your Palate: Just Follow The “Artisan Cheese” Clock! By Ashley Brown, A Brown Bag Gourmet


At some point and time, we've all eaten cheese. And although the majority


of us don't aspire to develop an actual appreciation for really good cheese like we might for art or music, there is a fun and informative way to encourage a more appreciative palate for those who wish to do so and it’s as easy as telling time.


The “artisanal cheese clock” is a sampling plate for up to six cheeses ar-


ranged from mildest to strongest. The mildest cheese should be placed at what would be the six o’clock position and is the first cheese you will want to taste. The remaining cheeses should be placed and eaten in a clockwise manner.


Keep in mind that each piece of cheese should be no more than one to two ounces in size and placed far enough apart so they do not touch. Choosing the cheese for your tasting plate is just as easy. The first selection should be mild cheeses like brie or camembert which are dou-


ble or triple cream cheeses primarily made from cow's milk. The last cheese on your plate should have a very strong taste, and often, a stronger scent. Classics such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola are relatively easy to obtain at your local grocery store. After your first cheese, you can gradually work your way around the “clock.” There are many cheeses made from a variety of animal milk.


Sheep’s milk cheese is an excellent choice for your second piece, followed by white cheddar and/or parmesan. The idea is to increase inten- sity as you go around the plate. Purchasing cheese in 1/4 pound wedges or blocks makes it easier to cut the cheese into small chunks. The chunks will enable you to pick


up the cheese with your fingers so you can see, feel, smell and then taste it without the mess of shreds or crumbles. To add style to your cheese servings, place unsalted nuts such as pecans, walnuts or almonds in the middle of the plate or in separate


serving bowls. Unsalted nuts are a healthier way to cleanse the palate between bites, and help enhance the individual flavors of the cheese. There are many fine cheese makers throughout the United States who put great care in producing quality cheeses. If you care to appreciate


their work, you can find most of these cheeses online, or at your local grocer .


Developing an appreciation for not only the taste, but the art that is cheese is as simple as taking the time to stop, smell, eat and enjoy!


Want to learn more about cheese pairing?


Host a Cheese & Wine Pairing Party In Your Home! Contact Ashley at Ashley@abrownbaggourmet.com


5 A Brown Bag Gourmet creates beautiful cheese platters.


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