How to Make a Fruit and Cheese Platter

Having a get-together or a party usually involves food, and one of the most appreciated types of food you can have is a good appetizer. A cheese and fruit platter can be an extremely popluar choice; after all, who doesn't like cheese? Few people will turn up their noses at a spread of the cubed dairy goodness. Mix that up with some sliced fruit, and you have a sure winner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cheese (cheddar, Monterrey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, Brie)
• Fruits (apple, pear, grapes)
• Knife
• Crackers or wafers
• Toothpicks

1. Buy a platter or make your own. The obvious benefit to buying a pre-made platter is that it saves time; but you may be limited on the contents, and some are very pricey. But, if you like playing in the kitchen, or you just can't find a platter that has what you want, then it is time to make your own.

2. 
    

   When picking your cheeses, stay firm. Although there are some exceptions, for the most part you want cheese that is somewhat firm and will keep its shape, especially once it warms to room temperature after sitting out for several hours. Some very common cheeses used are: cheddar, Monterrey jack, pepper jack, and Colby. But, if want to mix it up a little, try some Gruyere. Gruyere has a wonderfully sharp but nutty flavor, and goes well with any wine or ale that you may also be serving. Brie is often served at parties, but it needs to be warmed, otherwise it tastes like wax. Havarti and Gouda are popular, but be careful with these as they will smush and smear much more one they've warmed.

3. Chopping your cheese. After you decide on the cheeses you will use, it is time get chopping. If you buy the cheese in blocks, you'll want to cut them into cubes. Get a sharp kitchen knife and cut the block into 1-inch wide strips. After that, cut each strip in 1-inch segments so that you now have uniform cubes. Any softer cheeses you serve may need a butter knife for spreading.

4. 
    
   A wide variety of fruit

   Choosing your fruit. Normally, there are 3 main fruits you are likely to find on a platter. Apples, pears, and grapes. Once in a while strawberries, blueberries, kiwi and even pineapple will make cameo appearances, but not as often when served with cheese. Grapes should be seedless, (you don't have any party-goers cracking teeth), and who wants to see people spitting seeds out all night? The apples and pears can be cubed, although some people prefer them in wedge shaped slices. This is personal preference.

5. Toothpicks are a good idea to have on hand with your platter. Some people prefer to have each piece of cheese contain a toothpick for easy picking, while others like to have tongs for people to pick and choose what they want. As long as people aren't using the same toothpick over and over to snag food off the platter, everything will be fine!

Tips & Warnings

• Cut your fruit up the day of the party if you make a platter yourself, not too far in advance.
• Spray apples and pears with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Don't let Brie get cold! It will taste like bitter wax!

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