Indulge in Love: A Valentine's Day Cheese Board with Brie, Coeur de Neufchâtel, Comté, and Gruyère

by Maison Morand

Celebrate the season of love in the most delightful way possible by indulging in the art of cheese appreciation. This Valentine's Day, move beyond the traditional bouquet and heart-shaped chocolates and embrace a more sophisticated and romantic gesture—a carefully curated cheese selection from Maison Morand. 

A cosy evening illuminated by candlelight and a platter adorned with an array of our fine cheeses promises to tantalise your taste buds and set the stage for an unforgettable experience with your partner. Among the stars of the evening, the velvety smoothness of Brie or the classic allure of Coeur de Neufchatel will captivate your senses, offering a taste of luxury that perfectly complements the day's sentiment.

As you share moments of laughter and memories, let the joy unfold as you explore the textures and flavours of cheese that speak of love forever. Read on to discover the perfect Valentine’s Day romantic cheese platter that pairs beautifully with the ambience and the timeless accompaniments of the year.

 

Brie Cheese: A Soft, Creamy Delight for Lovers

Indulge in the world of passion and palatability with the alluring Brie cheese—a soft, creamy masterpiece designed for lovers who revel in the finer things in life. Hailing from the romantic landscapes of Île-de-France, this cheese is a tantalising exploration of texture and taste.  The velvety allure of Brie, concealed beneath its signature bloomy rind, delivers a buttery symphony with subtle notes of mushrooms and a touch of nuttiness—truly a decadent treat for the senses.

In wine pairings, Brie reigns supreme. Bloom your romantic escapade with a fizzy rendezvous by choosing Champagne or let the flirtatious dance of flavours unfold with a light Pinot Noir. But let's not forget the entourage! Crisp baguettes and delicate water crackers serve as the perfect Brie cheese pairing, creating a sensory experience that hits all the right notes of crunch and cream.

Let your imagination run wild when crafting your Valentine's Day cheese platter. Surround Brie wedges with a vibrant medley of fresh fruits—luscious figs, succulent strawberries, or the elegant sweetness of pears. The marriage of textures and flavours becomes a gustatory delight and a sensory exploration of contrasts. Take it further by introducing a drizzle of honey or a smear of fruit preserves, infusing a subtle sweetness that elevates each bite into a moment of unparalleled indulgence.

 

Coeur de Neufchatel: Classic & Celebrated French Cheese Odyssey 

Embark on a romantic journey with Coeur de Neufchatel, a charming French cheese that is a heartwarming addition to your Valentine's cheese platter. Hailing from the Normandy region, Coeur de Neufchatel is distinguished by its heart-shaped form, symbolizing both love and culinary artistry. This soft, creamy cheese boasts a rich and slightly tangy flavour profile, making it a delightful indulgence for those seeking a taste of amour on Valentine's Day.

Adding Coeur de Neufchatel to your Valentine's cheese platter brings an element of whimsy and history to the celebration. Legend has it that during the Hundred Years' War, French milkmaids created this heart-shaped cheese as a token of affection for English soldiers. The cheese has since become a symbol of love, making it a perfect choice for a romantic occasion. To enhance the interactive nature of your cheese platter, consider pairing Coeur de Neufchatel with an assortment of crackers, fresh berries, and honey. Encourage your partner to explore the creamy texture of the cheese by spreading it on crackers and experimenting with different pairings, creating a shared experience that adds a touch of playfulness to your celebration.

 

Comté Cheese: Savour the Richness of Love

The picturesque Jura region of France has a promised legacy where Comté is aged to perfection. Immerse yourself in the layers of nuttiness and complexity that define this cheese, each bite a revelation of rich, caramelised undertones that have matured over time. Comté is an embodiment of sophistication, tailor-made for a Valentine's celebration that deserves the finest. Comte comes alive by being ingrained with a rind that has a perfect form of an organic sheath, absorbing and being refined with the essence of cave preservation. Cracks and walls play the part and so does the rind in question. 

Your Valentine's Day cheese board should let Comté take centre stage, radiating elegance and culinary prowess. The cheese's versatility ensures a symphony of tastes and its compatibility with wines like Chardonnay or a light Beaujolais amplifies the indulgence. The interplay of firm and crumbly textures, characteristic of Comté's varying ages, promises a diverse and gratifying experience for your palate, creating a memorable culinary escapade.

To accentuate Comté's nutty charm, consider an array of accompaniments that enhance its complexity. From honey-drizzled walnuts to the sweet allure of dried apricots and figs, each addition contributes to a sensory journey that highlights the cheese's adaptability and depth of character. As you indulge in this gastronomic adventure, let Comté weave a narrative of taste that mirrors the richness and depth of love itself, leaving an indelible mark on your Valentine's celebration.

 

Gruyère Cheese: A Bold Choice for Passionate Palates

Enter the world of culinary boldness with Gruyère cheese, a Swiss masterpiece that beckons to passionate palates. Renowned for its distinctive nutty and subtly sweet flavour, Gruyère undergoes meticulous ageing, resulting in a robust and complex character, perfect for an impromptu, romantic celebration. 

Gruyère's bold essence finds its perfect companions in carefully selected pairings. Imagine it mingling with slices of prosciutto or salami, where the saltiness of cured meats complements the nutty aspects of Gruyère. For a refreshing contrast, introduce crisp apple slices or succulent grapes to the ensemble, creating a delightful interplay of flavours on the palate.

The versatility of Gruyère extends beyond the confines of a traditional cheese platter, making it a culinary virtuoso in various dishes. Melted Gruyère is the secret ingredient in the classic French onion soup, adding a layer of richness and depth. Infuse a touch of sophistication into your romantic cheese platter meal by incorporating Gruyère into a homemade fondue or indulging in Gruyère-stuffed chicken, where the cheese becomes a culinary ingredient for a memorable dining experience. The intricate dance of flavours, from its nutty undertones to the subtle sweetness, mirrors the complexity of love itself.

 

Maison Morand Valentine's Day Cheese Platters

Ignite your passion for fine cheeses with Maison Morand's thoughtfully crafted cheese boards, where every selection promises an enchanting experience for your palate, blending the artistry of flavours with the joy of sharing love. 

1.Cheese Board Le Mini Signature (2-4 people): Experience the vibrant medley of flavours with Le Mini Signature by Maison Morand. This thoughtfully curated cheese board caters to 2-4 people, showcasing the impeccable trio of Brie de Meaux AOP, Comté AOP, and Manchego DOP. Weighing in at 600g, it's an ensemble meant for sharing and savouring. Alongside these exceptional cheeses, we've included premium Bresaola, fruits, olives, and crackers, transforming your tasting experience into a colourful and delectable journey.

2.Cheese Board Le Mini Truffé (2-4 people): Tailor-made for 2-4 people, this exquisite cheese board boasts the irresistible trio of Brie de Meaux à la Truffe, Tomme de Berry à la Truffe, and Moliterno à la Truffe. Weighing 600g, it's a celebration of flavours. Complementing these truffle-infused cheeses is Veal Truffle Salami, creating a harmonious blend of savoury contrasts. Adding fruits and crackers provides the perfect sweet and crunchy accompaniments, elevating your cheese platter experience.

3.Cheese Board Le Mini Végétarien (2-4 people): Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of vegetarian delights where French linguists speak for the love of cheese. This colourful cheese board graces the trifecta and accomplishments for vegetarian-based honour in timeless love. Brie de Meaux AOP, Comté AOP, and Tomme de Savoie IGP, complemented with olives, fruits, nuts, and crackers, offer a burst of flavour and texture, promising a delightful vegetarian experience for your celebration.

 

Make this Valentine’s Day a carved, memorable persona that you can reminisce through artful selection. As the dawn breaks into dusk, cheese accompaniments and sister cheeses form the intricate storyline that culminates in the delightful meals you can share with your partner, friends, and family. 

As this timeless day draws to a close, cherish the moments displayed in the ensemble of cheeses in your artisanal cheese selection. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!