A Heart For Your Valentine
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
There’s something so lovely about Valentine’s Day when you keep it simple. No pressure, no reservations, no overthinking...just good food, a little creativity, and time together. Whether it’s a cosy night at home or a romantic park date with a rug under your arm, this Valentine’s Day cheese board is my idea of the perfect way to celebrate. I love how this idea works anywhere. Set it up on your kitchen bench and nibble with a glass of something lovely, or pack it into a picnic basket and head outdoors. There’s something very romantic about sharing cheese under the trees, don’t you think?
The absolute star of this love story is Tarago’s Shadows of White; creamy, dreamy, and completely irresistible. It’s the kind of cheese that doesn’t need much fussing, which is precisely why it works so beautifully here. Inspired by the classic French brie, Shadows of White is a Double Cream Brie made with extra cream added from fresh, local farm milk, the result is an exceptionally smooth and rich cheese with a thin, delicate rind and a luscious creamy and velvety centre. Perfect for this creative experiment! Pairing this gooey, delicious Double Cream Brie with seasonal red-hued fruits, it becomes not just delicious, but genuinely stunning. Think strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pomegranate (basically whatever looks plump, glossy and in season!) The result? A board that feels thoughtful, romantic and quietly impressive, without being complicated.
How To Create Your Heart Cheese Moment
Start with your Shadows of White cheese well chilled; straight from the fridge is best, as it makes cutting much easier and neater. Place the cheese on a flat plate or board, so you’ve got reasonable control.
Use a heart-shaped cutter to gently press it into the centre of the cheese. Don’t rush! Press, wiggle slightly, and if needed, flip the cheese and repeat from the other side. The goal is to ease the heart out as cleanly as possible. A little tip I swear by: dip the cutter in boiling water before you start. The warmth helps it glide through the cheese. Having a hot butter knife nearby can also help tidy the edges.
Once your heart is out (and saved in the fridge for your next cheese indulgence!), fill the heart with a selection of your red fruits, letting them tumble in naturally. There’s no need to be too perfect; a slightly undone look feels more inviting and relaxed.
From there, simply decorate around the cheese with the rest of your fruit. Keep it loose, abundant and joyful. This isn’t about symmetry — it’s about creating something that looks as good as it tastes.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be extravagant to feel special. Sometimes, it’s a heart-shaped piece of beautiful cheese, a handful of seasonal fruit, and the luxury of slowing down together. And really… what could be more romantic than that?