BoomerGirl Diary

So, you’re a fan of great cheese and are known amongst your friends for always having the best brie, blues and goudas on hand. You’re the one people always look to for wine & cheese pairing ideas. When it’s your turn to throw a party, you always have the tastiest crackers, flatbreads and toasted baguette slices on hand ... not to mention an array of delectable olives. You’ve been doing this for years, and for you it’s a snap to bring together a group of great people and great food.

But, this is what you always do. How about adding something new to the mix? Keep all your tried and trues, but add a delicious fruit paste or two. Fruit pastes are still somewhat new to many gourmands, so you should be the one to introduce your friends to something delicious, elegant and completely easy to serve!

Fruit pastes offer intense flavor in small doses, and they have great presentation value, too. They are always rich in color and are frequently shaped like small pyramids. They are made from highly concentrated fruit (one 2.5 ounce block of fruit paste is usually made from one pound of fruit or more) and are often accented with nuts, such as hazelnuts, pistachios or almonds.

Quince paste, for example, seems to be fairly well known amongst our customers — especially those who read Gourmet. A few years ago the magazine featured an easy-to-do appetizer that consisted of lightly fried jamon Serrano, topped with a slice of Manchego cheese and a tiny wedge of quince paste. ¡Muy delicioso!

Quince paste may be the most well-known of fruit pastes, but consider fig, plum and apricot. All are the perfect accompaniment to practically any cheese. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Brie, Fromager d’Affinois or Camembert with Apricot Paste and Merlot

• Point Reyes Blue, Roquefort or a strong goat cheese such as Cypress Grove

Humboldt Fog with Fig Paste and Port

• Aged Gouda or Tipperary Irish Cheddar with Red Plum Paste and Cabernet

Whatever cheese you like, place some on a cracker and top with a slice of fruit paste. The flavors will meld in your mouth in an oh-so-satisfying way! And once your party is over, any leftover fruit paste can be saved for many days to come. Unlike sliced apples or pears, fruit paste won’t lose its texture or turn brown overnight.

It will be ready for you whenever you are.