Dressing the Cheese Plate

Say Cheese!

Preparing a stunning, savory cheese plate is a cinch. Start by placing a 6-8 ounce wedge, round or block of your favorite cheese in a shallow casserole dish or 9-inch pie plate.

Bake in a 325 degree oven for 8-12 minutes or microwave on 50% power for 1 -1 1/2 minutes or until cheese is soft but not runny.

Remove cheese, add the topping of your choice, and serve with crackers, toasted pita wedges, veggies or fruit.

Try these cheese-toppers for a impressive presentation.

Slices of fresh mango and warm mango chutney are perfect for blue cheese or Stilton.

Dress your Cheddar cheese with a blanket of red jalapeno jelly mixed with finely chopped apples.

For Brie, top with toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Gouda is irresistible topped with sweet apricot preserves.

Thin slices of pears, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper team up to adorn Camembert. (Toss pear slices with lemon juice to keep them from browning.)