PARTNER POST – Be inspired to create beautiful cheese boards with Castello cheese. And what goes better with cheese than wine? Enter to win a trip for two to Napa, California.
Easily create a spring cheese board that can be packed as a picnic. All you have to do is make sweet and salty crunch walnuts.
I’m not a winter person. I hate the cold. Living in the Midwest for a couple of years nearly killed me. Humid yet cold Taiwan almost broke my bones. Now that I’m in Los Angeles….. well, it’s still too cold for my tropical girl bottom. 
Look guys. I’m from Malaysia. The country with NO winter. It’s just hot all year round. Some of you may find it difficult to grasp this concept.
You can imagine my happiness and excitement every year when March comes. Aaah, spring.
With spring almost here, it’s the perfect time for a cheese board. A spring inspired cheese board, that is. Filled with all things spring, this cheeseboard is perfect for entertaining or even to enjoy with your other half on any spring day.
The only thing you’ll need to lift your fingers for (other than swiping your credit card when buying the rest of the ingredients) is to make these maple candied walnuts.
Tips:
1. Cheese – Choose from different textures and strengths of cheese (eg. soft to firm or sharp to mild). Be sure to allow cheese to come to room temperature before serving (roughly 30 – 45 minutes on the counter). I use Castello cheese as it offers a variety of creatively crafted cheeses and they’re super delicious.
2. A diversity in the accompaniments is key not only for the palate to enjoy but visually, it will look stunning. From sweet preserves, chutney and fresh fruits to savory from the salami or prosciutto, crackers and bread and tartness from all things pickled like pickled ramps or olives.
Lastly, I’m excited to share with you a sweepstakes by Castello. The prize? A trip for two to Napa Valley, California! To enter, click here.
For another cheese board addition, try this spicy carrot chutney:
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Candied Walnuts & a Cheese Board
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Create a vibrant spring cheese board featuring maple candied walnuts, a variety of cheeses, fresh fruits, and savory accompaniments, perfect for picnics or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cheese: Harvati Herbs and Spice, Danish blue
- Fruit & Vegetables: Strawberries, Green Grapes, Blood Oranges, Kiwi
- Pickled Ramps
- Bread & Crackers: French Bread, Assorted Crackers
- Condiments: Sweet preserves, chutney
- Salami or prosciutto
- Olives
Instructions
- In a cast iron pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pan. Stir until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Add 1 cup of walnuts to the bubbling mixture. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated and the walnuts are well coated.
- Spread the candied walnuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
- Arrange the cheese board by placing the cooled candied walnuts, a selection of cheeses, and an assortment of fruits such as strawberries, green grapes, blood oranges, and kiwi.
- Add pickled ramps, French bread, assorted crackers, sweet preserves, chutney, salami or prosciutto, and olives to the board for a diverse and visually appealing presentation.
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Notes
Allow the cheese to come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before serving for optimal flavor. Choose a variety of cheese textures and strengths for a more interesting board. Use a mix of sweet and savory accompaniments to please the palate and create a visually appealing display. Store leftover candied walnuts in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What nuts can I use instead of walnuts for the candied nuts?
You can substitute pecans or almonds for the candied nuts, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
How do I achieve the perfect sweet and salty balance in the candied walnuts?
To achieve the perfect sweet and salty balance, ensure you use an appropriate amount of sugar and salt, typically around 1 cup of sugar to 1 teaspoon of salt, adjusting to your taste.
Can I add other ingredients to the cheese board besides the candied walnuts?
Absolutely! You can enhance your spring cheese board with fresh fruits, herbs, and a variety of Castello cheeses to complement the flavors of the candied walnuts.
