CLASSIC, TRIPLE CREAM, ASH, AND TRUFFLE BRIE – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

by Shale Point | May 19, 2024 | Tips | 11 comments

Brie, with its velvety texture and creamy goodness, is a beloved cheese that has found its way onto cheeseboards, sandwiches, and gourmet dishes worldwide. However, navigating the various types of brie can be a delicious yet confusing journey.

We’ve decoded the differences, and here they are:

Brie: The Classic Delight
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It is made from cow’s milk and is known for its pale, buttery interior under a rind of white mold.

The flavour of Brie is mild, with earthy and nutty undertones. It has a creamy texture that becomes even more decadent as it ripens.

Triple Cream Brie: A Luxurious Indulgence
Triple Cream Brie takes the creaminess of traditional Brie to new heights. It’s made by adding extra cream to the milk during the cheese-making process, resulting in a higher fat content.

The texture is incredibly rich and luscious, boasting a more intense flavour profile with a pronounced buttery taste.

Ash Brie: An Elegant Contrast
Ash Brie is distinguished by its appearance. Gently covered in edible ash during the cheesemaking process, the attractive dark charcoal layer becomes visible once cut.

The ash serves multiple purposes, acting as a preservative, aiding in ripening, and contributing a subtle earthy note to the flavour. The result is a visually striking cheese with a nuanced taste.

Truffle Brie: Elevating with Earthy Aromas
Truffle Brie is a gourmet twist on the classic, featuring the infusion of truffle pieces. This addition imparts an earthy and aromatic quality to the cheese.

The truffle flavour can vary from subtle to intense, depending on the amount added. Truffle Brie offers a sophisticated and indulgent experience, making it a favourite among connoisseurs.

THE SIMPLE ART OF CHARCUTERIE

by Shale Point | Feb 6, 2024 | Tips | 6 comments

Approaching the build of a charcuterie board can be intimidating for most.

Where do I put the crackers? How do I fill the space?

Here are some simple tips and steps for ensuring balance, diversity, and fullness for your platter.

1. Decant an appropriate amount of your dips and olives into smaller ramekins and position them on the board first.
   – The key is to start with your largest items first and then fill in the spaces with the smaller bits.
2. Next place your cheeses and meats.
   – A tip for having multiple cheese flavour options without creating too many leftovers is to purchase Shale Point’s ‘cut & wrap’ slices or pick from our 125g ‘mini’ range.
3. Crackers go next. We like to fan them out in curves that compliment the shape of the board and the accompaniments on it.
4. Add your fruit and nuts in small clusters around the board, making sure to fill in the remaining blank spaces.
5. Finally, if you are wanting to take the aesthetic to the next level… Add greenery! It’s amazing how elevated the addition of a few sprigs of rosemary the board becomes. As well as carrying with it, a gorgeous fresh fragrance.