Wisconsin Artisan Cheeses Recipe
strawberry jam, pecan bread, candied
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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with WISCONSIN ARTISAN CHEESES
Ingredients
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Cheese & accompaniments
Candied pecans (if making from scratch)
Optional finishing
Method
Candied pecans (if making from scratch)
Make candied pecans
In a small nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and stir until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add 3 ounces pecan halves and toss to coat, cooking for 2–3 minutes until nuts are toasted and sugar has caramelized and coats the pecans. Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and spread pecans on a sheet of parchment to cool and harden (about 10 minutes). Cool completely before using.
Cheese & accompaniments
Bring cheeses to temperature
Remove the 9 ounces of assorted Wisconsin artisan cheeses from refrigeration 30–45 minutes before serving so flavors and textures open up. Keep rind intact unless otherwise preferred.
Prepare pecan bread
If toasting bread: preheat a skillet over medium-low heat or heat a grill pan. Lightly butter one side of each of the 6 pecan bread slices (about 1 tablespoon total). Toast buttered side down 1–2 minutes until golden and warmed through. Alternatively, warm bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes. Slice into rounds or serve as provided.
Assemble the board
On a serving board or platter, place cheeses spaced apart to allow accompaniments around them. For each cheese, place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of strawberry jam nearby and a few candied pecans (about 6 halves per cheese, total 3 ounces). Arrange pecan bread slices, optional grapes or fig halves, and watercress or microgreens to fill gaps and add visual contrast.
Garnish and finishing touches
If desired, drizzle 1 teaspoon honey lightly across one cheese or the board and sprinkle a very small pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of coarsely cracked black pepper over a mild cheese to add contrast. Provide cheese knives and small spoons for the jam.
Optional notes
Make candied pecans up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Jam may be substituted with fig jam, orange marmalade, or quince paste for different flavor pairings. Adjust quantities proportionally for more guests.