Reserve Pairing Recipe
Make Reserve Pairing Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Reserve PAIRING — Cheese & Charcuterie Platter with Curated Accoutrements
Method
Reserve PAIRING — Assembly & Serving Instructions
- 1
Bring cheeses to temperature
Remove all cheeses from refrigeration 30–45 minutes before serving so they come to room temperature. This opens flavors and makes soft cheeses spreadable and hard cheeses more aromatic.
- 2
Prepare bread and crackers
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into 1/4-inch slices, arrange on a baking sheet, brush lightly with 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, and toast 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively warm slices in a toaster oven. Arrange seeded crackers in a few small stacks.
- 3
Arrange cured meats
Fan the prosciutto and soppressata into loose folds for easy picking. Stack salami slices and roll a few slices into rosettes to create height on the board.
- 4
Place cheeses on board
Position the three cheeses spaced apart: the hard Manchego, the triple-cream, and the blue. For the soft triple-cream, provide a small cheese knife to spread. For the blue, leave a small piece intact and provide a cheese fork or knife.
- 5
Add condiments and accoutrements
Spoon the fig or apricot jam into a small ramekin and place on the board. Put the grainy mustard in a small dish. Place the honey in a shallow dish or drizzle over a small wedge of cheese just before serving. Scatter marcona almonds, cornichons, and mixed olives in small bowls or piles around the cheeses and meats.
- 6
Add fresh fruit and garnish
Cluster grapes or lay pear slices near the soft cheese so guests can pair fresh fruit with cheese. Garnish with microgreens or small sprigs of thyme/rosemary for aroma and visual appeal. Lightly crack black pepper over the triple cream if desired.
- 7
Final plating and pairing notes
Leave small cheese knives or spreaders at each cheese and small spoons in condiments. Arrange crackers and toasted baguette slices for easy access. Recommend tasting from mild to bold: start with the triple-cream, move to Manchego, finish with the blue. Suggest pairing with a reserve-level red wine (Cabernet or Rioja Reserva) or a richer white (oaked Chardonnay), and encourage guests to try combinations—cheese + honey, blue + fig jam, Manchego + salami.
- 8
Serving timing and storage
Keep the board at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Return leftover soft cheese to refrigeration promptly, wrapped in wax or parchment. Store cured meats in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days, cheeses according to type.