Cheese — use an assortment of cheese (soft, semi-hard, hard, marinated)
Fruit/Vegetables/Nuts — don’t be afraid to add some color
- pickled fennel
- pea pesto
- pea tendrils
- watermelon radish
- sliced apples
- green and black olives
- Marcona almonds with rosemary
- Other suggestions: seasonal fruit (grapes, orange slices, berries, figs, etc.)
Meats — can’t go wrong with cured meats (or even smoked fish)
- pork pate with pistachios
- hot soppressata
- Other suggestions: thinly sliced prosciutto or country ham
Condiments — don’t forget the honey (a little something sweet pairs well with cheese)
honey
- Other suggestions: fruit preserves/jams/chutneys (see video below for a sweet and spicy carrot chutney)
Bread/Crackers
- homemade whole wheat crackers
- grilled baguette
Wine - Folie à Deux Zinfandel
- Folie à Deux Chardonnay
Of course these are just suggestions, include all or some, or whatever suits your taste.
What else would you include on your spring-inspired cheese board?
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Spring Cheese Board with Pickled Fennel
- Total Time: 1 day 40 mins
Description
Spring has almost sprung! Get in the spirit with refreshing ingredients to create a stunning spring cheese board complete with pickled fennel.
Ingredients
Quick Pickled Fennel
- 2 medium bulbs of fennel
- 1 cup white wine or champagne vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Equipment: 2 (pint-size sterile canning jars)
Whole Wheat-Rye Crackers
- 3/4 cup semolina
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rye flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
Quick Pickled Fennel
- Thinly slice the fennel lengthwise (a mandoline works well or you can slice by hand).
- In a pot, bring the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a boil.
- In a dry sauté pan, toast the coriander, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Divide the spices among the jars. Add the sliced fennel. Pour the brine over the fennel leaving about 1/2-inch space at the top.
- Let the fennel cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. It’s best to give the fennel at least a day to pickle.
- Note: You can add orange and/or lemon peel to the jars.
Whole Wheat-Rye Crackers
- Preheat the oven with a pizza stone at 450F.
- In a large bowl, mix the semolina, whole wheat and rye flours. Add the salt, pepper, and olive oil and mix. Slowly add the water, while mixing the dough. Once the dough comes together, transfer to a clean work surface and knead for about 5 minutes. Cover with plastic and rest 30 minutes.
- Cut the dough into quarters. Take a piece of dough and run it through a pasta roller to the fourth setting (you can also roll by hand). You can slice the crackers into strips or you can keep them a bit misshapen and rustic looking.
- I lined a pizza paddle with parchment for easy transport. Place the crackers on the parchment and transfer to the pizza stone (parchment and all). Bake until lightly browned and crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Note: You can add fresh/dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) or other spices (e.g., red chile flakes) to the dough.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cheese are best for the spring cheese board?
For the spring cheese board, an assortment of cheeses works well, including Castello Danish Blue and Castello Creamy Havarti, which provide a nice variety of flavors and textures.
How do I prepare the pickled fennel for the cheese board?
To prepare the pickled fennel, slice the fennel bulb thinly and soak it in a vinegar solution with salt and sugar for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to enhance the flavor.
Can I substitute other fruits for the sliced apples on the cheese board?
Yes, you can substitute sliced apples with other seasonal fruits like grapes, orange slices, or berries, depending on your preference and what’s available.
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