A SUMMER CHEESE PLATE.
Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 2:46PM 
Ahhh, it feels kind of nice to write a recipe without instructions. This is just to get you thinking beyond the usual, or maybe this is your usual with a few little additions. There is always a reason for a cheese plate, and I think one with a little extra thought goes a long way. We're going camping by the beach this weekend with family, and that's as good a place as any for a cheese plate, if you ask me.
I've catered a handful of dinner parties, and the selections below are some choices I've come to find popular by extremely close survey. We each have our favorites, and you should by all means include yours, but this combination is what makes sense to me for the end of summer. I like to keep the cheeses on the lighter side for warm weather, saving the cheddars, bries and bleus for the cooler months, this being an exception.
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO // RAW COW'S MILK
chisle off a few pieces, drizzle raw honey
CHEVRE // SOFT GOAT'S MILK CHEESE
rolled in finely chopped lemon thyme, chives, pinch of rosemary and ground pepper
MANCHEGO // AGED SHEEP'S MILK
with a bit of apricot jam
BABY MOZZARELLA // FRESH COW'S MILK
with slow roasted yellow tomatoes, basil and balsamic reduction
Here is a recipe for Heidi's tomatoes, mine were so juicy, I used half the oil suggested.
To make your own balsamic reduction, just simmer balsamic vinegar until it reduces to 1/3 of its original volume. Remember it will thicken even more as it cools. I suggest transferring it to some sort of glass vessel before it cools, as it is quite sticky.
Marcona Almonds
Fresh Grapes or Figs
Crostinis
Seeded Crackers
Let the cheese sit out a bit, don't serve it straight from the fridge.
And drink wine with it, because life's short and cheese and wine make all sorts of sense.
(update for those asking) Cheese forks are from Napa Style. 
Reader Comments (91)
gorgeous!!! and delicious at the same time. really beautiful photography
This looks heavenly. Stunning pictures.
Wow! Beyond gorgeous and yummy looking.
Your photos are absolutely stunning!! This is definitely the most beautiful cheese plate I've ever seen - thank you for sharing!
What an amazingly beautiful cheese plate. I'm the queen of making a cheese plate for 1, but THIS is meant to be shared!
This is perfect! No cook platter. I love cheese! Lovely photos as always.
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.com/
Where did the adorable cheese forks come from?
There are few foods that I could not live without. Cheese would most definitely be near the top of the list. When the hubs and I go out to eat, I usually recommend that we skip dessert and just share a big cheese plate. Ok... who am I kidding? We get both the dessert and the cheese plate. You only live once, right?
Stunning as usual, darling. Truly.
That is the most beautiful cheese platter I have ever seen. I love the fork labels!
That is the most beautiful cheese platter I have ever seen! I love the fork labels!
[...] A Summer Cheese Plate @Sprouted Kitchen [...]
Oh wow. I love these combinations. And your opening photo screams "summer!". So inspiring!
This looks so delicious! And I LOVE the cheese forks!
Absolutely gorgeous and you are so right--there is always a reason for a cheese plate!
This all looks delicious. I will have to try this for the next dinner I host. Where are those adorable cheese forks from?
This looks fabulous! It makes me want to throw a wine & cheese party :)
absolutely loved the eggplant
absolutely loved it
I worked on a goat farm for several years as cheesemaker's apprentice. Needless to say, the cheese plate is a standby for me. Brunch, lunch, cocktails, and dinner. Works at almost every meal. Marcona almonds are fabulous, btw.
Great dish for a warm summer evening. There is also this great spanish tapas variation of Manchego cheese with quince paste (membrillo), which is really adorable (f.ex. http://www.deliciousdays.com/archives/2006/11/16/membrillo/).
I LOVE the little cheese label forks! Where oh were did you find them?
[...] you need more inspiration on picnic menus, check out Sprouted Kitchen, one of my new favorite [...]
Love the presentation! Very Inspiring for next time I have friends over. Well done!
This inspires me for next time I have friends over! Well done! Love the pops of colours!
You've got me dreaming of a summers afternoon spent with good company, good wine and THIS platter! The manchego has my mouth watering .. the tomato balsamic reduction would be a good alternative to my usual semi-dried tomatos.
[...] note, The Summer Cheese Plate. yes it deserves capitals. I found it on Sprouted Kitchen and will try and duplicate it asap (Emily, are you reading this? Tuesday cheese plate ?! [...]
As always, stunning photos. You take something like a cheese plate and make it something truly special! Great combinations, great cheese choices. Just lovely.
[...] I’m craving this cheese plate by The Sprouted Kitchen, via [...]
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[...] fantastic how-to create the PERFECT cheese plate. [...]
[...] an inspirational cheese plate. Sara over on Sprouted Kitchen did a beautiful job of laying this out. She lists everything included on this plate and gives a few [...]
This is wonderful!!!!
I also love your Kale dishes...
EVERYTHING!!!
Am sharing you with a group of us who are trying to be healthy and happy. Thanks for your creativity and your dedication and hard work. So happy you are there.
This is beautiful...curious what your suggestions would be on how to change this for autumn/winter...think end November, early December (for us in the Midwest, that's cold).
This looks so amazing, and I love the photo as well. It looks delicious and pretty and definitely made me want to go out and get ingredients to make a platter-type meal like this! It also fits awesomely with my idea of cheese/dairy being a delicious treat rather than a must-have food staple (e.g. a glass of milk with every meal type scenario). Awesome post :)
[...] Sprouted Kitchen 0 Like Tagged with: Food • recipes Share [...]
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This looks so delicious, I don't think I can wait for summer to come back!
[...] Brie Bites | Salted Caramel Apple Pies | Cheese Plate | Bunting Cake | Sangria January 25th, 2012 | Category: Cooking and Eating, Inspiration CLICK [...]
You have spent a while in the countries that know their business when it comes to cheese, bread and coffee. Can I come to your picnic?
We all miss you!
Ted
I have already started licking my lips! Can't wait to try :)
The only thing that makes me hungrier than reading the recipe is looking at your fantastic pictures. This will be a great recipe for my family this summer, thanks so much!!