Southern Cheese Plate

Directions

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   Place chopped walnuts in a shallow dish. Roll goat cheese log in walnuts, pressing gently to coat completely.
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   Arrange log on a serving platter alongside a small bowl of fig preserves, Champagne grapes, and an assortment of crackers.
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   Variation 1:
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   1 lb. Sweet Grass Dairy Asher Blue cow's milk cheese
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   2 cups hickory-smoked almonds
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   1 lb. Medjool dates
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   Almond crackers or buttery crackers
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   Wine suggestion: Port or full-bodied red wine (such as Cabernet)
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   Variation 2:
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    1 lb. Locust Grove La Mancha Reserve sheep's milk cheese
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    1 (2-oz.) container quince fruit paste
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    1 1/2 cups Marcona almonds
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    Rosemary crackers
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    Wine suggestion: Spanish sherry (such as Amontillado) or White Meritage (such as St. Supery Vertu)
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    Variation 3:
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    1 lb. Sweet Grass Dairy Green Hill (Camembert-style) cow's milk cheese
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    1 cup peach preserves
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    2 cups pecans, toasted (about 1/2 lb.)
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    Assorted butter crackers
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    Wine suggestion: Champagne or Vouvray (such as Chenin Blanc)
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    We tested with Chilton County peach preserves. Also, for more information about artisanal cheese producers in the South, visit
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    These featured cheeses can be purchased online at:
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    Fromagerie Belle Chevre, Elkmont, Alabama
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    Locust Grove Farm, Knoxville, Tennessee
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    Sweet Grass Dairy, Thomasville, Georgia
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