Indulge your senses with the rich, creamy Mont d’Or cheese baked to perfection and accompanied by a variety of flavorful sides. This article invites you on a gastronomic journey, exploring different ways to savor this seasonal delight. So whether you’re already a fan or just curious about this mountain delicacy, let’s delve in.
What is Mont d’Or ?
An Introduction to Mont d’Or
If you haven’t yet been introduced, meet Mont d’Or, also known as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs – a soft cheese with a washed rind. This culinary gem is produced seasonally between the 15th of August and the 15th of March while its commercial availability stretches from the 10th of September until the 10th of May.
The Seasonal Charm of Mont d’Or
The allure of this cheese lies not only in its taste but also its exclusivity. The short production period adds an air of anticipation and excitement to each new season. Now that we’ve introduced our star ingredient, let’s move on to some delectable recipes.
The Classic Baked Mont d’Or Recipe
A Step-by-Step Guide
This simple recipe calls for two 500g pieces of Mont d’Or and gives you the option to enhance it further with white wine and thyme/nuts. The preparation time spans around 40 minutes while baking takes approximately 45 minutes followed by an additional resting period of 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Fondue onions
- Cumin-flavored spinach fondue
- Roasted potatoes
The hearty accompaniments not only provide a contrasting texture but also complement the creaminess of the cheese. Having savored this classic take on Mont d’Or, let’s explore some enticing variants.
Gourmet Variants for Your Baked Mont d’Or
Enhancing with Herbs and Alcohol
Give your baked Mont d’Or an aromatic twist by adding a few sprigs of rosemary or by pouring some dry white wine or beer before baking. The resulting flavor infusion is sure to leave you captivated.
Cheese and More Cheese
If being indulgent is your motto, why not add more cheese ? The possibilities are limitless when it comes to creating a multi-cheese masterpiece. With these gourmet variants under our belt, let’s move onto partner options for Mont d’Or.
Which Charcuteries Pair Well with Mont d’Or ?
Creating a Perfect Platter
Charcuterie is to cheese what Sonny was to Cher; an inseparable duo that creates magic when together. The richness of the Mont d’Or pairs delightfully with various meats including salamis, hams, and sausages.
The Ultimate Snack: bread and Pickles
To balance out the flavors, consider including crusty country bread and tangy pickles on your platter. Now that we have our charcuteries sorted, let’s begin exploring vegetable accompaniments for our Mont d’Or feast.
The Best Vegetables to Accompany Mont d’Or
Potatoes: a Classic Choice
No list of accompaniments would be complete without the humble potato. Roasted or boiled, they provide a satisfyingly starchy base to balance the rich Mont d’Or.
Other Delicious Options
For those seeking variety, other vegetable accompaniments can include everything from grilled bell peppers to steamed broccoli, offering a semblance of healthiness to this indulgent affair. After adding some greens, let’s move on to the perfect wine pairings for Mont d’Or.
Wine Selection for Pairing with Mont d’Or
White Wine: a Popular Choice
The fresh and fruity notes of white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the creamy richness of Mont d’Or.
Daring with Red Wine
If you prefer reds, opting for lighter ones such as Pinot Noir could be an intriguing gastronomic adventure. Now that we’ve paired our cheese with wine, charcuteries, and vegetables, let’s take a look at what else we can dip into our melted pot of Mont d’Or.
Dipping in Tradition: what To Immerse in Your Melted Mont d’Or ?
Bread: a Timeless Classic
A piece of crusty bread dipped into warm, oozy Mont d’Or is simple yet utterly divine. It’s a tradition that never loses its charm.
Potatoes: an Irresistible Combination
Warm boiled or roasted potatoes also make wonderful dipping companions creating a comforting combination that’s hard to resist.
To truly appreciate the decadence of baked Mont d’Or, one must explore all accompaniment possibilities. From classic recipes to gourmet variants; from meats and vegetables to wines; and from traditional bread and potato dips – the journey to relish this cheese is as versatile and exciting as the changing seasons that bring us this mountain delight.
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