Ease into party-mode with a simply elegant cheese & jam board.

Don't let the joyeuses get sucked out of your fêtes with the “what do I bring”. Let Jackie’s Jams be your guide to the simplicity of an elegant cheese & jam board. Whether you are hosting or sauntering into a neighborhood holiday get-together, you will be the belle of the ball with this colorful crowd pleaser. Best of all, it only takes one quick stop to your favorite cheese shop or supermarket gourmet cheese aisle. All you’ll have left to do is tackle the “what to wear” - sorry, we can’t help with that.

Secrets to an elegant cheese & jam board:

Keep it clean. Keep it simple. Limit your ingredients.
Find a wooden cheese board, tray or platter - anything could work!
Choose 2-3 cheeses depending on the size of your board and 2-3 jams with which to compliment the cheeses. See suggestions below.
Add some black & green olives (inexpensive single serve pouches are pitted and ready to pour) and/or nuts (avoid peanuts due to allergies and try almonds or pecans)
Include a sliced french baguette or crackers - we recommend water crackers or, for a slight flavor that won’t interfere with your pairings, lightly salted crispy French crackers
…and violà!

Optional tips: Pour jam into tiny bowls or mini ramekins. Decorate with fresh herbal sprigs such as rosemary or sliced fruit for an extra pop of color. Don’t forget those cute little cheese spreaders! For extra dazzle serve with some chilled prosecco - we recommend anything from Valdobbiadene in the Veneto region.

Cherry Jam + Ossau-Iraty

Basque sheep milk cheeses are rich & creamy, and classically paired with bright, tart, sour cherries, makes this quintessential pairing a favorite.

Zippy Jalapeno + Quebec Vintage Cheddar (or Flagship Beecheps)

this tangy Canadian cheddar stands up to the jalapeño pepper kick. Try it melted in a panini or on a burger for a yummy unexpected surprise.

Pineapple Strawberry(no sugar added) + Piave Vecchio (or a sapore du piave)

this aged, crunchy cheese from the Veneto region is sweeter than Parmigiano-Reggiano with sweet tropical notes. Shaved over toast with this jam…it is the jam!

Apricoty Jam + Gorgonzola Dolce

an almost whipped creamy blue from Italy that is delicate, just like apricot. It’s a perfect complimentary pairing and divine on toasted nut bread.

..and the best for last, DESSERT!

Strawberry Chocolate + Brillat Savarin

This is the perfect dessert right. A French triple creme brie swirled with strawberry chocolate jam on a crunchy shortbread cookie…yum, simply yum!

A special thanks to Venissimo Cheese for the magnificent cheese & jam pairings. Venissimo is San Diego’s connection to “all the best cheeses from all over the world”. Shops in Del Mar’s FlowerHill Mall, Mission Hills, and North Park.

Jackie's Jams and Cheese Pairing Board