National Cheese Day is coming

Football Sundays are once again happening with guests coming over to watch games. This year no local team is involved. However, the excitement still fills a room. If one is serving dairy, there is usually a cheese tray. Below are suggestions for a perfect cheese tray, and I have included a recipe for an easy quiche, which everyone will enjoy.

In celebration of National Cheese Lovers Day, January 20, cooks of all levels should style a cheese board like a pro. SideChef, a step-by-step cooking app, says that a good cheese board should consist of three to five different cheeses and a variety of accompaniments to provide a variety of flavors and textures, so no bite is the same. There are two easy categories:

Cheese: It is important to choose cheeses with different textures and flavors varying from mild to strong. There are five textures of cheese: hard, semi-hard, soft, semi-soft, and blue. There are two essential types of tastes: mellow that includes citrusy, fruity, and herbal tastes; and intense that includes bitter, smoky, and sharp ones.

2: Sidekicks: Bread, fruit, nuts, and veggies. Cheese needs sidekicks that make it shine, and that’s where accompaniments come into play.

Breads and crackers provide a base for the cheese, but stick to simple or complimentary flavors that don’t overpower.

Fresh and dried fruits or fruit spreads compliment intense cheeses.

Brined vegetables such as olives or peppers provide a salty contrast.

Nuts offer a crunchy, nutty flavor.

Easy broccoli quiche

12 ounces low fat shredded mozzarella (or swiss or cheddar) cheese (or a combo)
1 frozen, deep dish pie crust
4 eggs
1 1/2 to 2 cups steamed broccoli (if there is leftover, snack on it)
1/2 cup milk
spices (add a little of what you like, including garlic powder, oregano, etc.)

Steam the broccoli, drain well, and cool. Beat the eggs, milk, and spices together. Poke a few holes in the bottom of the pie crust and spinkle about 25 percent of the shredded cheese. Place the broccoli on top of the cheese. Then add the mixture with the eggs, then the rest of the cheese on top.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes. Check to see that the top is browning. Serve with a nice big tossed salad.

Cooking with Beth

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