Long evenings or lazy Sunday afternoons are perfect for gathering with family, relatives, or friends. At our house, we love setting out a beautiful cheese board. Pair it with a refreshing drink and irresistible snacks like these two cheese variations, and the evening flows effortlessly. Our daughter even jumps in to help—it's a hit with kids too, and suits every season.
Pro Tip: Host at home or head to a nearby playground with a petting zoo and grassy spots. Pack a large picnic blanket, chilled sparkling wine or lemonade for the kids, and these snacks for an unforgettable outdoor gathering.
We divvy up tasks among friends—I handle the cheese snacks, always a crowd favorite. We kick off around 3 PM, after everyone's tackled morning errands like sports, shopping, or chores. Soon, laughter fills the air, and the kids play happily together.
Cheese snacks are my go-to (hubby prefers meatballs). The fig chutney version steals the show. Simple to prepare once you know the steps, leaving more time for mingling.
This elegant appetizer shines with wine or a cocktail—far better than soda alone. For more on Emmi KALTBACH, check out their story here. A matching cocktail recipe follows below.
Peel and chop the onion. Cut soaked figs into small wedges, removing stems. Sauté onion in butter over low heat until translucent. Add figs, stir, then incorporate remaining ingredients (except cheese). Simmer covered for 10 minutes, then uncovered to thicken. Cool for chutney.
Serve KALTBACH Le Gruyère AOP on almond-fig bread topped with chutney for a luxurious bite.
Cut cheese and bread into shapes like stars using cookie cutters (wash thoroughly). Or arrange simply on a board.
Pro Tip: No almond-fig bread? Use puff pastry. Line a small tin with thawed puff pastry, bake per package instructions, fill with chutney, and crumble cheese on top. (Fig bread version is my favorite.)
Skip bubbles or wine? Try this cocktail, inspired by a Bols-Emmi event where I discovered cheese-cocktail pairings like the Date Old Fashioned for KALTBACH creamy. This one complements Le Gruyère AOP beautifully.
Add walnut bitters and sugar syrup to a glass; stir. Add ice, sherry; stir. Pour genever in two 15ml additions with ice between, stirring to blend. Top with ice.
Pro Tip: Extra ice keeps the drink colder longer without dilution. A pinch of cane sugar adds lovely depth!
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