Fruit & Cheese Basket

by anonymous submission

"Everything But The Kitchen Sink"

If I could choose anything to put into a fruit and cheese basket for myself or as a gift for friends or family I would start my basket off with the most deliciously ripe and juicy apples I could find. I would likely choose a selection of both red and green apples so that there would be both tart and sweet to choose from.

I would also include a fruit knife just sharp enough to cut the apple but more along the lines of a butter knife as it would also be used for other spreads that might be found in my basket. I think Peanut butter would make an excellent addition to to the basket because it goes wonderfully with both fruit and cheese. I think an organic all natural peanut butter would work best because it has a very distinct taste and it's good for you.

I would also add a large package of crackers so that you could stack your fruit, cheeses, and spreads onto a rich buttery cracker which would make the perfect snack. Often times I think baskets do not contain enough crackers and then you are left with all these wonderful topping ingredients and then nothing left to put them on.

I would also be sure to add pears as they are usually a favorite. Additional fruit that I think would be delicious to add to the basket would be strawberries, peaches, plums, or possibly more rare fruit for decoration or fun like starfruit.

There would need to also be a variety of soft and traditional cheeses as well to complement the selection of fruit. I would use flavored brie, cheddar, swiss, and Blue cheeses. I have also always been a huge fan of the square individually wrapped cheeses often sold in the deli department at my grocery store. I think they are cute and delicious. They are also really easy to use and spread. I think they also suit a variety of tastes so they are sure to be a hit with anyone even if they do not have a very developed palette concerning cheese.

I think that one way to make this basket moderately priced and an affordable gift at around $60-$80, which is what I personally would be interested in spending, would be to make sure to include plenty of crackers as I think that would make the fruit and cheese go much further and serve more people which would make the basket as a whole more appreciated and enjoyed. To finish off the basket a bottle of a delicious spiced mead would really compliment the contents and be an affordable partner to the ripe fruit and variety of cheeses.

I don't think anyone could turn down a basket like this, it would truly make the perfect picnic basket for family, friends, or even a romantic snack for a couple.