Tap into exclusive insights on integrating specialty cheeses into your event with Saputo’s Master Cheesemaker Olivia Jansé.
- Question :
- If you could only choose three cheeses to feature at a special event, which would you select and why?
- Answer :
- Here are my three top picks:
- La Sauvagine is an international award-winning cheese famous for its balanced flavour and creamy texture. This cheese is a guaranteed hit that will delight your guests!
- Double Cream Brie will instantly win guests over with its buttery and approachable profile
- Bocconcini are a versatile selection, perfect for cheeseboards, skewers, dips, marinades, or even frying
- Q :
- Cocktail and food pairings are key to a reception. What are some of your latest favourites?
- A :
- There are a few. Overall, I would do more sparking cocktails with triple cream cheeses – for example a blackcurrant Kir Royale with Le Pleine Lune or a Mimosa with Lady Laurier D’Arthabaska and croissant bites. Some others great pairings are:
- A smoked cheese and an Old Fashioned with maple syrup and orange peel twist
- Dirty Martinis with olives and Bocconcini marinated in pesto, served on a skewer
- Bloody Caesars and Parmesan Petals, or a stuffed mini hot pepper with Feta on the side
- A revisited Manhattan with an Amarena Cherry atop a lightly fried cube of Caprano cheese
- Q :
- What advice do you have for incorporating cheese into cakes or other desserts?
- A :
- Cheese and desserts are a match made in heaven. Consider these creative ideas:
- Use La Sauvagine instead of traditional cream cheese for a unique twist on cheesecake recipes
- Dip fresh Goat Cheese donuts into chocolate for a divine pairing
- Create cheesecake pops rolled in candied nuts
- Offer deep-fried brie wedges served with jam as a decadent treat
- Q :
- Can you share a few underrated ways to present cheese at a reception?
- A :
- For something different, these ideas are sure to impress :
- Serve soft fresh Goat Cheese or Ricotta in a waffle cone using an ice cream machine
- Display a variety of Feta types on a spread board
- Substitute traditional shawarma meat with Haloumi Cheese for a delicious vegetarian option
- Caciocavallo Impiccato – a southern Italian dish where the cheese is suspended over a flame or heat until it melts
- Use cheese wheels adorned with edible flowers to create stunning cheese "art-cakes"
- Q :
- Any other tips you’d like to share when it comes to presenting cheese at a special event?
- A :
- Yes! The beauty of cheese is in its versatility. There are many ways to make a statement as well as ways to add a special touch with small details. For example, fruit can be used to carry the cheese. Think of Feta on watermelon bites, Ricotta on halved strawberries or La Sauvagine on a slice of peach.
