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| Soft, creamy and grassy Neufchatel cheese from Haute Normandie |
This is hardly a recipe, it’s so simple. But it’s a great starter for a romantic meal, something that even non-cooking men (or women) can do. Serve it with a green salad and it becomes a main dish.
Neufchatel* cheese in it’s classic heart shape is one of France’s oldest cheeses. It’s a Camembert-like soft cheese from Normandy designed to woo, legend has it, the British soldiers during the 100 year war.
Heart to heart recipe
1 Neufchatel cheese heart
1 jar of artichoke hearts in oil (artichokes are reputed to be an aphrodisiac)
1/2 clove of garlic
1/4 glass of white wine
For dipping:
Sour dough, cut into fingers
Pitta bread, cut into strips
or celery heart sticks….
Carrot batons
Red pepper strips
Slash an opening in the middle of the heart and stick a slither of garlic and the white wine in the cheese.
Place it in a baking dish and surround by the artichoke hearts.
Place it in a medium oven for 5 to 10 minutes or so.
Serve with the suggestions above for dipping into the creamy melted interior of the cheese. The artichoke hearts also contrast nicely with the cheese. Serve with a white wine such as a Riesling, perhaps a Gerwurtraminer.
For dessert why don’t you make Coeur à la crème? Another easy recipe.
*(Waitrose stocks these I believe.)
The "floury" rind and the inside texture do make it look very like Camembert. Does it taste like Camembert too?
Yes it does Mark. It tastes even better if you buy it in France…it's made near Rouen.
This is something different to me.I'm always want something new and this is it.Thanks for ur great recipe.
Romantic dinner recipes