I recently did some TV segments on entertaining with Canadian cheese – I believe in supporting our local producers, and we have some of the best cheese in the world right here in Canada. To show off their quality and versatility, the Dairy Farmers of Canada have come up with 5 holiday entertaining menus – 30 recipes in total – that cover all kinds of scenarios, from the fancy cocktail party you really want to prepare for, to the casual last-minute get together or feeding hungry kids after a day out in the snow.
Cheese has always been our go-to ingredient, especially for our annual Christmas party – it seems to make everyone happy, and is as well suited to kids as grown-ups. I discovered a few ideas I hadn't thought of before over on the Dairy Farmers' website – like these butter chicken Gouda tarts (!!) from the Casual and Convivial collection, and a melty grilled cheese with bananas, dark chocolate and creamy havarti from the Let it Snow collection. Seriously.
Chocolate-Banana Havarti Grilled Cheese
Preheat a skillet on medium heat.
Place 2 slices of bread on a work surface. Cover with Havarti slices.
Add chocolate and banana slices.
Close sandwiches with 2 more bread slices.
Spread butter on outside of the sandwiches. Cook each side in a skillet for 3–4 minutes, or until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
Cut into squares and serve hot.
