The humble cracker has come a long way since my first memories of scarfing down Premium Plus saltines slathered with peanut butter during after school play dates with Barbie, my cousin, a brook and skippers, those leggy bugs that hop through the water.
I’ve grown up, and apparently, so has my taste in crackers. But, there is something special about these bite-size delicacies that can turn my hanger into sweet serenity. Throw in a glass of Rosé, and I’m totally, if temporarily, sated.
It’s a perfect and elegant pre-dinner nosh.
Here’s the thing about the cracker-app; it’s so easy to up your game, depending on your budget, time and guest list . Your basic cheese and cracker will do just fine, but if you want to go a step further, try a gourmet compote or savoury jelly, ask your butcher for some extra-thinly sliced prosciutto, and explore some cheeses. My favourite is Peau Rouge, a nutty-flavour, fine small batch cheese from Quebec, Canada.
The Ultimate Upgrade
A couple of years back, a friend went to Italy, and brought me back a gift I treasure – a bottle of artisinal balsamic vinegar from Modena, where ageing their balsamic is taken as seriously as their wine, and where brides will often be gifted a bottle of fine balsamic vinegar that was bottled by the family when they were born.It is exquisite. I dole this out carefully, but, a few drops of this sweet nectar on the top of a cracker piled with the perfect cheese, a melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto, and a swipe of compote will take this to the next level.
What are your favourite gourmet cheese and cracker combos? Share below.
