How to please with cheese

WITH the festive season on the doorstep and the inevitable increase in cocktail parties, long lunches and Sunday afternoon drinks, The Dairy Kitchen Australia has put together a checklist for the ultimate Christmas cheese platter is sure to impress your friends and family.
Top tips for creating the perfect cheese platter this festive season:
When it comes to choosing cheese at Christmas, think about catering to a range of tastes and try to offer something everyone will love, like a classic vintage cheddar as well as something a little more complex like a washed rind for true connoisseurs.
Also consider your textures and offer a range of hard and soft cheeses.
Christmas favourites go surprisingly well with cheese. A classic Australian brie or washed rind matches really well with sweet summer strawberries, cherries and gingerbread cookies.
Contrast the creaminess with the crunch of a handful of pistachios, scattered atop the cheese.
Try something different and pair a classic blue with hazelnuts – or try tossing them in toffee to take it to the next level.
The sweetness of the toffee will cut through the saltiness of the cheese sending you and your guests to cheese heaven.
If Christmas Day ends up being a hot one, sprinkle a few frozen seasonal grapes on the board to add some refreshing sweetness.
To top it all off, serve this decadent, festive board with port, sherry or your favourite dessert wine for a cracking good Christmas.