Bernadette Fideli
Wine and cheese isn’t the only match made in heaven. As food choices have become more global and palates more sophisticated, an effort has been put toward discovering new pairing combinations with wine, cheese, and chocolate. Great taste isn’t the only thing that makes chocolate and cheese the food world’s newest power couple. This duo offers some impressive health benefits. Chocolate, much loved for its sinfully delicious taste, also packs a powerful nutritional punch. Cacao, its most essential ingredient, is loaded with antioxidant flavonoids and theobromine. Cheese is a delicious delivery system for protein as well as a host of important vitamins and minerals, with calcium at the top of the list. A serving of cheese also contains phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B12. CT Robertson and Brenda McKenzie invited the Wine Stewards to enjoy an evening exploring the exciting culinary trend. Each wine presentation was accompanied by a carefully paired cheese and chocolate. The evening began with Prosecco, Camembert, and chocolate with berries. Along the way, the Wine Stewards dined on mozzarella strawberry salad with chocolate vinaigrette. Dessert was milk chocolate mousse, served along with imported aged Cheddar and a glass of Beaujolais Villages. In between, guests tasted full-bodied Zinfandel paired with smoked Gouda and dark chocolate, Gewurztraminer and white chocolate, and Riesling paired with bleu cheese and dark chocolate. At evening’s end, a glass of Spanish Sherry was followed by wedges of Manchego cheese and wedges of milk chocolate. After a wonderful night of pairing and tasting, the Wine Stewards have a new addition to classic combos: peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, and cheese and chocolate.