Festive Cheeseboard with Chao Cheese and Caramelized Onion Jam
Serves 6-8
- Make it Sweet
- Make it Umami
ABOUT THE FLAVOR ORIGIN
Putting together an impressive party cheeseboard for sharing is easy with Chao Block, Creamy Original. The rich, creamy non-dairy cheese has a bold, buttery flavor and a cheesy bite that pairs nicely with crunchy crackers, grapes, nuts and the sweetness of the caramelized onion jam.
Ingredients
Caramelized onion jam
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup white sugar
4 cups sweet onion, diced
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ cup apple cider vinegar
3 Chao Block, Creamy Original blocks
Assorted crackers, baguette, crostini or breadsticks
Bowls mixed nuts like smoked and marcona almonds
Bunches grapes, washed and snipped into small clusters
Ripe figs, dates or berries
Preparations
To make the caramelized onion jam, heat the vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add sugar and cook, stirring constantly, with a wooden spoon, for about 5 to 6 minutes until sugar caramelizes and is a light amber color. Sugar will go quickly when it starts caramelizing, in hot spots in the pan, so watch carefully and adjust the temperature to ensure that the caramel does not get too dark or burn.
Reduce the heat to medium. Carefully tip in the onions all at once. The mixture is very hot and may spatter so use caution. The onions will begin to caramelize right away. Continue stirring until caramel is blended and the onions are golden and soft, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Add the salt, pepper and apple cider vinegar. Lower the heat further, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened and jammy and most of the liquid has evaporated; about 20 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. The recipe makes about 2 cups which will keep well in the fridge for a month.
Pick a large wooden cutting board to hold the cheeseboard. Lay out small plates, napkins and little knives for guests to help themselves. Slice Chao Creamy Original Blocks into slices for crackers or small cubes for snacking. Lay out crostini, toasted baguette slices, or any of your favorite crackers. Add a dish of marcona almonds, some sliced fresh ripe figs and a variety of grapes and dates or berries. Serve the caramelized onion jam in a glass jar with a spoon for guests to create their own cracker stacks. It’s a perfect grazing board for conversation and drinks.
