There's no question my love language is food and preparing a meal for the ones that I love. For an intimate dinner for two that doesn’t include prixe fix menus or long lines, I suggest saving the reservations for another time and hosting at home. My husband and I love making an entire meal out of a cheese board. It allows you to jus enjoy talking and being with each other, with no pressure for the next course.
Set a beautiful tablescape with flowers and soft candlelight with linen napkins and the nice plates to start off the evening. Pick a soft, romantic playlist and open a Keush Rose Bubbly -- dry and elegant, yet fun with strawberry notes.
Now for the board.
Let’s start with a Donge Triple Crème or a St Andre Triple Cream. Any triple cream will work here, either small format or a pretty triangle. The key words are indulgent and creamy. Add a nice wedge of Rogue River Farm Blue or Stilton -- the gorgeous blue veins make the board feel special. Next, on to the chocolate pairings. I think that Koppers Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and Dark Chocolate Cherries complement both cheeses. The bitter chocolate cuts through some of the richness of the cheeses and the slight caramel and fruitiness accent the sweet notes as well. Additionally, I would add some toasted walnuts or pecans to provide nuttiness and crunch. You could decorate with wild hibiscus flowers in syrup to drizzle over for a little extra indulgence. A salty cracker would be good here as well, or a plain pretzel cracker.
Additional props if you arrange everything into a heart shape on your platter or board. Sip, nibble and enjoy! Cheers and Bon Appetit!
