Say cheese this Christmas

Dairy Australia has released its top tips for the perfect festive cheese board, highlighting some of Australia’s finest produce.

The body suggests creating a festive grazing board, featuring creamy brie or washed rind matched with strawberries, cherries and gingerbread cookies and a scattering of pistachios; spicy blue cheese accompanied by candied hazelnuts; and an Australian clothbound cheddar served with fruitcake or mince pies.

Tips for the perfect cheese board:

• Take your cheeses out of the fridge one hour (20 to 30 minutes on a hot day) before serving and cover with a damp tea towel to stop them drying out. Serving your cheese at room temperature means you’re getting the full impact of their texture and flavour.
• Matured cheeses are generally at their best when they are closest to their best before date, so keep the date you plan to serve the cheese in mind when choosing the one for you.
• If the weather is hot, sprinkle a few frozen grapes on the board to add some refreshing sweetness.