Triple Crème de Cocoa: Where Chocolate Meets Creamy Cheese in Perfect Harmony
Imagine a world where rich, velvety chocolate and luxurious cheese come together in one indulgent bite. It sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Well, that dream is now a reality, thanks to the brilliant matchmakers at Murray’s, who have brought us the limited-edition Triple Crème de Cocoa.
This is no ordinary cheese. It begins with Four Fat Fowl’s St. Stephen—a triple crème cheese known for its buttery, creamy goodness, with delicate notes of fresh salted butter. But here’s where things get interesting: the cheese is aged around a layer of rich, smooth milk chocolate, creating a perfect union of savory and sweet. The result? A flavor profile that feels like a celebration in every bite—creamy, decadent, and just the right amount of sweet.
You could say this cheese is the ultimate date night companion. It’s more than just a cheese; it’s an experience. The chocolate is subtly integrated, enhancing the natural flavors of the cheese without overwhelming it. The salted butter and creaminess of the St. Stephen balance beautifully with the cocoa, giving each mouthful a luxurious, almost dessert-like quality that’s better than any box of bonbons.
When I first tasted the Triple Crème de Cocoa, I was immediately struck by how the two main flavors—cheese and chocolate—melded together. The first bite hit me with that creamy, buttery richness that St. Stephen is known for. But just as I was settling into the familiar comfort of the cheese, the milk chocolate layer added a delightful surprise—smooth, slightly sweet, and just enough to make you smile. The balance of savory and sweet was nothing short of perfect, and I found myself impressed by how seamlessly the flavors blended. I didn’t feel like I was eating dessert, but I also didn’t feel like I was indulging in something too heavy or over-the-top. It was just right.
That’s when I knew—this was the inspiration I’d been waiting for. I was eager to start designing my own creative pairings and recipes with cheeses. The idea of combining cheese with jams, spreads, and other surprises suddenly seemed like the next step in taking my charcuterie creations to the next level. How could I layer in a fruity jam to contrast with a creamy, buttery cheese? Or pair a spicy jam with a sharp cheddar? My mind was racing with possibilities.
So, when it comes to pairing this cheese, I couldn’t help but get a little creative myself. Forget the usual suspects—while pistachio cream spread is lovely, I’m choosing something that will make this experience pop. Enter the lemon cream spread.
Picture it: the zesty tang of lemon cream cutting through the richness of the cheese like a cool breeze on a hot day. The citrus brightness contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate and creamy cheese, bringing a light, refreshing note that makes the indulgence feel less guilty. It’s like the citrus is giving the cheese a little wake-up call—reminding it to be fabulous and sophisticated while keeping things exciting.
But wait, there’s more! Pairing this with rosemary nuts—oh, the rosemary nuts—will add a savory, herbaceous twist that’s just the right counterpoint to the sweet cocoa and tangy lemon. The rosemary elevates everything, with that piney aroma grounding the rich creaminess of the St. Stephen while the nuts offer a satisfying crunch. It’s like the perfect flirtation between savory and sweet. I dare say, it's practically romantic.
And now, the twist that makes this whole thing sing: croissant crackers. Why croissant crackers? Oh, let me tell you—these little beauties are buttery, flaky, and just a little crispy, with a delicate flavor that supports the cheese without stealing the spotlight. They offer a melt-in-your-mouth crunch that perfectly complements the silky texture of the Triple Crème de Cocoa. The croissant crackers add just the right amount of light, and buttery indulgence, elevating each bite without ever overpowering the sophisticated dance of sweet, savory, and creamy. Think of them as the unsung hero of this pairing, offering that perfect vessel to transport the flavors from the plate to your mouth.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this pairing has inspired the perfect grazing box for the occasion. Who needs the usual heart-shaped candies or generic chocolates when you can indulge in the true romance of rich, creamy cheese, bright citrus, savory nuts, and buttery croissant crackers? It’s a celebration of flavor and indulgence, and it’s all about sharing something unique with the people (or person) you love.
This is not just a pairing; this is a showstopper. Forget the chocolate box—this is the real indulgence. Whether you're hosting a romantic evening or treating yourself to a bit of luxury, this cheese is the perfect way to make Valentine’s Day (or any day) feel extraordinary — and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have you weak in the knees. xx