Delightfully sweet, buttery maple syrup, sugar and cinnamon coated walnuts. Takes 5 minutes to whip up and is the perfect accompaniment to this ultimate spring cheese board. This post is sponsored by Castello Cheese. All opinions are my own.
I’m not a winter-y person. I hate the cold. Living in the Midwest for a couple of years nearly killed me. Humid yet cold Taiwan almost broke my bones. Now that I’m in Los Angeles….. well, it’s still too cold for my tropical girl bottom.
Look guys. I’m from Malaysia. The country with NO winter. It’s just hot all year round. Some of you may find it difficult to grasp this concept.
HOT? Yes hot.
I love the heat. I hate the cold.
So you can imagine my happiness and excitement every year when March comes.
Aaah, spring.
Spring is when animals start mating, neighbors start barbequing in their underwear and my teeth stops chattering.
Ok fine. The changes aren’t drastic at all in L.A. But still. It is warmer than say… February or January. :p
With spring almost here, it’s the perfect time for a cheese board. A spring inspired cheese board, that is. Filled with all things spring, this cheeseboard is perfect for entertaining or even to enjoy with your other half on any cozy spring day.
The only thing you’ll need to lift your fingers for (other than swiping your credit card when buying the rest of the ingredients) is to make these maple candied walnuts.
This recipe is inspired by Mr.V’s professor’s wife who had generously given all the students a jar of candied nuts a year ago. They are to die for. Â Of course, if you’re not into the bitter aftertaste of walnuts, use pecans or other types of nut.
Tips:
1. Cheese – Choose from different textures and strengths of cheese (eg. soft to firm or sharp to mild). Be sure to allow cheese to come to room temperature before serving (roughly 30 – 45 minutes on the counter). I use Castello cheese as it offers a variety of creatively crafted cheeses and they’re super delicious.
2. A diversity in the accompaniments is key not only for the palate to enjoy but visually, it will look stunning. From sweet preserves, chutney and fresh fruits to savory from the salami or prosciutto, crackers and bread and tartness from all things pickled like pickled ramps or olives.
Lastly, I’m excited to share with you a sweepstakes by Castello. The price? A trip for two to Napa Valley, California! To enter, click here.
If you haven’t already, check out my last post Spicy Kimchi Pork Belly Fried Rice cooked in just under 10 minutes. Yup!
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What is your idea of the ultimate spring inspired cheese board?
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- Cheese
- Castello Harvati Herbs and Spice
- Castello Danish blue
- Fruit & Vegetable
- Strawberries
- Green Grapes
- Blood Oranges
- Kiwi
- Pickled Ramps
- Bread & Crackers
- French Bread
- Assorted Crackers
- Condiment - Cherry Preserves
- Meat - Black Pepper Salami
- Maple Candied Walnuts
- 1 tbs unsalted butter
- 5 tbs pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups walnuts (if you don't like slight bitter aftertaste, use pecans or your favorite nut)
- ½ tbs sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Over medium heat, add the butter, maple syrup and vanilla into a cast iron pan. Once they start to bubble, add the walnuts. Stir for 5 minutes until most liquid has evaporated. Spread it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Let cool for 3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle all over the nuts and toss gently. Arrange all the cheeseboard ingredients. Serve.
20 comments
Oh my god this is the best looking cheese plate I’ve seen. I love cheese plates. I mean who doesnt? 😉 xx
Thanks Eva. Truly cheese plates are the best.
You beat me to it! I was going to get around to making a cheese board, but dayum girl this one looks AMAZING!
Hahaha I can’t wait to see your delicious spread. Yum!
These look so delicious! I am pinning these cheese board!
Beautiful photos :)!
Awwwwwww thanks Hannah. Nothing beats a good cheeseboard. 🙂
I’m surprised one of your “assorted crackers” isn’t some fancy cracker I’ve never heard of before 🙂 …hand pressed in gochujang etc. etc. Love this, as always.
Lol. That would be awesome though. Gochujang crackers. Sounds yummy!
Oh my god yes! This cheese board looks amazing, but there’s only one problem. It’s not sitting here nicely assembled and ready to go right in front of us, with a nice glass of wine on the side. 😛 Seriously though, those candied walnuts sound great. That’s a new one!
You mean you guys aren’t here (in LA) to enjoy em with me instead of the cheese platter being all the way in Adelaide. Although being there sounds fantastic too! As in, me being there. Yes, self invitation always. 🙂
Oh my goodness that spread has all the best food in the whole world on it! I want to be there, eating!!!
Awwwww thanks Elizabeth. I wish you were here eating em too! That way I could’ve eaten less. :p
I’m actually frothing over how delicious this cheese platter looks. I’ve never made maple candied walnuts myself but would be so yummy with the cheeses you’ve chosen. Definitely a must on my next cheese platter. Thanks!
Thanks Ariana. Maple Candied any nuts are too good! In fact, too good for our own good without any self discipline. 🙂
These nuts would be fantastic on a salad too! I grew up in the Midwest and Im always cold in Los Angeles too…. I swear its because nothing is properly insulated here…..:)
I had them in an airtight container on the counter and dump a handful every time I made some balsamic salad. So good!! I was cold in the Midwest AND in LA. Lol. But you’re right. Nothing is properly insulated here.
What a beautiful post! A great addition to any party planning menu!
Truly a great addition. I believe people eat not only with their mouths but also with their eyes. 🙂
That video – that cheese board… it’s all making my mouth water!
Sssshhh… Don’t tell anyone but I couldn’t help eating while shooting. 🙂 Which means I had to keep re-styling due to ‘missing food items’.