European Dinner
Sometimes we like to have what we call “European Dinner”. What makes it European? We don’t know. The mystery of that is part of the charm. European Dinner can vary, but generally consists of cheese, bread, fruit, and sausage.
The fruit this time was strawberries, grapes, pear, and figs, all purchased from our local farmers’ markets. I will say that I bought figs twice this week, at different farmers’ markets, and there was a difference in the taste. Perhaps because some were more ripe, I’m not sure.
The cheese was ‘Bermuda Triangle’ from Cypress Grove, ‘Mt. Tam’ from Cowgirl Creamery, both local creameries. We had a little bit of Laura Chenel Chevre (also local), and a big hunk of Prima Donna, which is described as a Gouda/Parmesan hybrid, imported from Holland. We have some kick ass cheese in California, I gotta say. The chevre was amazing, to my palate, straight on a fig. Really, really good. Mt. Tam is a huge hit around here. The Bermuda Triangle was a bit of a disappointment. I’ve had it before and loved it, but this time, it was just too strong. A very similar cheese, also by Cypress Grove, is ‘Humboldt Fog’, and I think we’ll just stick with that next time. The Gouda? I didn’t realize it was supposed to be so dry and crumbly, so I wasn’t thrilled. There’s some left, so I think I’ll revisit, looking at their website for a bit of guidance for what to do with it.
If you’re ever in the mood for a filling meal that appears light, and makes you feel kind of sophisticated while you’re dining, I highly recommend the European Dinner. This is a good time of year for it, if fruits are still delectable where you are.
8 Comments
Nance
Looks familiar! We have this almost every weekend in the summer along with a bottle of wine. No figs–they’re never in our stores–but usually peaches or nectarines. Our cheeses are usually a bit tamer also. Maybe if you tried drizzling some honey over the strong cheese? Add some walnuts? That’s a popular combo here.
J
Nance, I had considered the honey, but didn’t break it out. I think it would have been lovely. Perhaps I’ll have some with my leftovers, as there is some cheese and figs left. 🙂
Suebob
I have this without meat and just call it “cheese plate.” I love me some cheese plate.
J
Mmmm. Cheese. Suebob, the meat is the least important part for me, too.
Ted
Love European Dinner! Like you said what makes it European? The world may never know…
Christine
I love this! Can I come over for European Dinner night? 🙂
OmbudsBen
It just seems very: Continental.
J
OmbudsBen, exactamundo.