Cherry Delight Cheese Spread

Pairings and Complementary Flavors:

Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Gin and Tonic, Amaretto Sour
~ A classic bourbon-based Old Fashioned provides a warm and robust contrast to the sweet and creamy spread.
~ A whiskey Manhattan stands up to the richness of the spread while offering a complex flavor profile.
~ Gin and Tonic with a splash of cherry juice provide a refreshing, slightly tart counterpoint to the spread.
~ An Amaretto Sour has a sweet and sour profile that enhances the cherry and cream cheese flavors.

Wine: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Moscato, Zinfandel, Port Wine
~ A slightly sweet or off-dry Riesling complements the sweetness of the cherries.
~ With its lighter body and fruity notes, Pinot Noir harmonizes beautifully.
~ A slightly sweet Moscato enhances the cherry flavors while matching the spread sweetness.
~ A bold Zinfandel with dark fruit flavors and a hint of spice stands up to the prominent flavor of the spread.
~ With its rich, sweet flavors, Port Wine makes a delightful pairing.

Beer: Wheat Beer, Porter, Stout, Saison, Pale Ale.
~ A light, fruity, and slightly spicy Wheat Beer nicely complements the cherry flavors in the spread.
~ A dark beer like Porter or Stout, with chocolate and vanilla notes, provides a robust contrast to the spread.
~ The complex, slightly fruity, and spicy profile of a Saison makes a good match for the creamy and fruity spread.
~ Pale Ale with a moderate hop profile contrasts the cherries’ sweetness and the cream cheese’s richness.

Accompaniments: bagels, crostini, pretzels, graham crackers, fruits, nuts, dark chocolate
~ A bagel or toasted crostini provides a crispy base that complements the creamy spread, while pretzels offer a salty contrast. The crunchy sweetness of graham crackers makes them an excellent pair for a dessert-like snack.
~ Fresh apples or pears add a fresh, juicy element, while almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cherries and the cream cheese.
~ Dark chocolate is a luxurious and decadent pairing.

Suggested uses:

~ Brings a sweet and creamy touch to a brunch charcuterie board
~ A decadent twist to traditional stuffed French toast, pancakes, waffles, crepes, bagels, or desserts
~ Spread it in sandwiches or wraps to create a sweet and savory pairing
~ A decadent twist to traditional stuffed French toast, pancakes, waffles, crepes, bagels, or desserts