Breakfast with cheese
A bounty of flavorful cheeses – including Goat, Morbier, Emmental, aged Comté, St. Nectaire, Camembert and St. André – lends itself to sweet and savory breakfast selections. It is not only a gourmet continental tradition, but also a healthy choice to help you kick into high gear.
Of course, if you’re not a breakfast gal or guy, there’s always brunch – that special retreat between breakfast and lunch that jump-starts the weekend.
Did you know that the first brunch was invented in England to provide repast for late-night revelers? Despite its European roots, however, brunch has become a popular pastime all across America for family and friends to share good food and even better company.
There are tons of ways to give new life to old favorites like omelets, frittatas, quiches and pancakes. A definite crowed pleaser is our Croque Monsieur au Brie, which is not only delicious, but also only takes a few minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy your brunch company. Another gourmet twist is the Spring Salad for your veggie needs, or the Galette of leeks with Suprème for a delicate yet rich starter.
Croque Monsieur au Brie
Anything but ordinary, Croque Monsieur au Brie features two ingredients made for marriage – a good gourmet ham, with its salty kick, and Brie, a rich, creamy crowd-pleaser.
Green-on-Greens Salad with Emmental
Full of contrasts and character, curly lettuce serves as the base of Green-on-Greens Salad while surprising Emmental stands out with its layer of luscious nuttiness. The supporting cast includes soft avocado, crunchy cucumber and juicy grapes. A true spring star!
Galette of Leeks & Suprème
Easy as pie – literally – this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. A prepared pie crust and canned artichoke hearts lets you cut time-saving corners, while Suprème cheese melt beautifully creating a silky texture. This dish will be the tart of the town!
Friends and family will be wowed by gourmet touches to traditional breakfast condiments too. Infused honey is the perfect partner for strong Blue cheeses like Roquefort and soft cheeses such as Brie or fresh Goat cheese; while jams and jellies juxtapose saltier cheeses like an aged Comté or Gruyère.
And don’t forget your fruits on the table. Try St Agur with pear, Camembert with grapes, and figs with Goat cheese to get a daily serving’s worth of the good stuff.
To round it all out, consider a selection of artisanal breads like a sunflower-seed loaf or sourdough. Goat cheese is excellent served with a sweet gingerbread or toasted brioche. But if you’re not a fan of sweet breads, a fresh baguette is always a solid choice – simple and savory, that goes with all our gourmet cheeses.
However you prepare your breakfast or brunch, remember that it’s never better than when it’s prepared with a lot of love and a little cheese! Research shows that eating your morning meal improves concentration, problem-solving skills, memory and mood. We agree – we’re giddy just thinkin’ about it!
Bon jour!
For more tips about gourmet cheese – Visit www.iledefrancecheese.com