A complete guide of LaClare goat cheese pairings to help you be the gifting GOAT.
Finding the perfect gift for your favorite foodie can sometimes feel like a delicious puzzle. After all, how many times can you gift a fancy kitchen gadget or best-selling cookbook before it loses its charm? Well fear not, because this 2024 gift guide provides delightfully unexpected inspiration to transform your tried-and-true gift-giving into a flavorful adventure.
Whether you’re setting the stage for a romantic anniversary celebration or simply wanting to surprise a loved one with something out of the ordinary, these goat cheese-themed gifts are here to add a touch of culinary flair to any occasion. Now say goodbye to the gift-giving of years gone by and say hello to a world of delicious possibilities that will have your favorite foodies thanking you with every bite.
Valentine’s Day Gift: Create a Decadent Dinner Board
Level up that heart-shaped sampler box of chocolates by creating a decadent grazing board to be shared with your sweetheart. While chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic, elevate the experience by adding an array of goodies that vary in size, shape, texture, and flavor. We recommend making a statement by featuring some of our sweeter varieties, like Honey and the visually stunning Rolled Blueberry Vanilla goat cheeses, adding an unrivaled artisanal creaminess. If you and your Valentine like a crunchy snack, baking your own Goat Cheddar Cheese Crackers is sure to impress.
Once all your treats are planned, arrange them on a beautiful tray, set the mood with some candles, and voilà—a romantic grazing date that promises to make your Valentine feel the love.
Birthday Gift: Do Dessert First for Your Sweetie with a Sweet Tooth
Know that person in your life who’s always eyeing up the dessert tray before they’ve even ordered dinner? Treat them to a dessert-themed gift thoughtfully designed to incorporate the rich and creamy goodness of goat cheese baked to perfection in a homemade confection. Sweet goat cheeses like Cranberry Cinnamon or Fig and Honey are perfect starting points. However, the true magic happens when you add in the secret ingredient: love from your heart.
Imagine their delight (and possible drool) as they unwrap an indulgent gift of Goat Cheese Brownies or Gateau Breton with Whipped Apple Cinnamon Goat Cheese. These desserts introduce a world of unique flavors and heartfelt homemade effort, making their birthday celebration truly special.
Birthday Gift: Toast to the Bourbon Lover in Your Life
Pouring over what to get the bourbon connoisseur you’re celebrating? Go beyond simply gifting them their go-to bottle and turn it into a full-blown tasting experience by including the perfect pairings.
Picture this: a carefully selected bottle of bourbon or whiskey, such as one from Dancing Goat Distillery in Cambridge, Wisconsin, alongside a medley of dried fruit, nuts, and the irresistible Maple Bourbon Goat Cheese with a package of graham crackers. The result? An intimate tasting that transforms the act of sipping into a sensory journey. Cheers!
Mother’s Day Gift: Plan A Gourmet Weekend Getaway
For the mom who could use a little R&R, take a timeout from the traditional gifts and treat her to a food-focused adventure. Embrace the growing trend of agritourism and plan a getaway that promises to be a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. We may be biased, but we suggest putting Wisconsin on the top of your travel list, with a must-make stop at LaClare Creamery in Malone, Wisconsin. When you come visit us, you can indulge in goat cheese samples, see our cheesemakers at work, and partake in unique events like goat yoga and baby goat snuggles.
But why limit the adventure to goat cheese alone? Elevate the experience by planning a food-focused road trip that will undoubtedly tickle her tastebuds. For those who do make it to Wisconsin, we recommend this tasting itinerary featuring orchards, wineries, and more.
For cheese and goat enthusiasts across the nation, here are six goat diaries you can visit, each offering its own distinct story.
Father’s Day Gift: Experiment with Beer and Cheese Pairings
For those in search of Father’s Day gift recommendations, look no further. This Father’s Day, treat the father figure in your life to an experiential grilling set that transforms his backyard into a haven for flavor and fun.
Envision a combination of custom grilling essentials like engraved grilling tools and a spice rub tailored to his flavor preferences. Elevate the gift by adding a collection of curated beers accompanied by a selection of mouthwatering goat cheeses to keep him satisfied while the food sizzles on the grill. While traditional cheese and wine pairings have long taken the spotlight, the evolving landscape of craft breweries brings forth a newfound appreciation for the nuances of beer. Discover our top five favorite beer and goat cheese pairings to unravel the perfect harmony that exists between cheese and craft brews.
Spring Celebration Host Gift: Bring a Nod to Nature
As spring unfolds, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by embracing the fresh flavors it brings. For any spring celebrations on your calendar, surprise, and delight your host with a spring-themed edible gift that mirrors the awakening of nature.
Building the perfect ensemble begins with carefully choosing each element. Consider crunchy delights fresh from the garden, such as crisp homemade pickles or tender asparagus. Introduce more earthy undertones with our flavorful Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese, a versatile addition that pairs perfectly alongside bakery bread or bagels. Elevate the gift basket with a jar of strawberry rhubarb jam, lavender-glazed almonds, or sweet herbal teas to infuse a hint of floral elegance. To crown this culinary celebration, come with a quiche or frittata featuring your favorite variety of goat cheese and a nice bottle of Prosecco.
Summer Celebration Host Gift: Pack a Flavorful Picnic
A summer celebration calls for a gift that centers around sun-soaked fun. For a distinctive delivery tailored to your favorite foodie’s summer cravings, set the stage for a perfect picnic. No matter where the outing, the key is to make sure the snacks can stand up to the heat. Start with a compact cooler to house all the goodies and pair it with a picnic blanket to complete the experience. Within the cooler, include all the makings for a charcuterie-tasting experience. Combine a medley of fresh veggies, an array of meats, and don’t forget to elevate the flavor profile with a selection of hard goat cheeses like Smoked Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Goat Cheddar. To complement these savory treats, tuck in a selection of hard seltzers, adding a refreshing twist.
Fall Celebration Host Gift: Script a Magical Movie Night
As the warmth of summer fades into the chillier nights of fall, inspire your favorite foodie to cozy up indoors with the gift of a gourmet movie night basket. While popcorn is a classic, elevate the experience by presenting a jar of high-quality corn kernels, accompanied by the rich indulgence of truffle oil and a selection of gourmet popcorn seasonings. Enhance the snacking with a touch of heartiness, introducing the creamy luxury of a soft Truffle Goat Cheese that will perfectly complement the truffle-flavored popcorn. For those with a sweet tooth, homemade caramels, chocolates, or Blueberry Vanilla Goat Cheese Cookies will complete this fall-inspired gift, and bring even more joy to movie night.
Holiday Celebration Host Gift: Make it Merrier
‘Tis the season for invites galore. As you find yourself RSVPing yes to all the festivities, make sure not to show up empty handed. Express your appreciation by treating your host to something exclusively for them. A bottle of wine alongside a holiday-flavored goat cheese and charcuterie board makes for an ideal gift as it offers a moment of indulgent snacking once the hustle and bustle of hosting subsides. Not sure how to curate a board brimming with textures and flavors? Dive into our blog, “How to Create a Holiday Goat Cheese and Charcuterie Board.”
Bridal Shower Gift: Share a Treasured Recipe
While kitchenware tends to have its traditional place in bridal shower gift-giving, we recommend a more personal touch. For a fresh and future-focused take, consider turning a favorite recipe into a heartfelt present for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
There’s something uniquely special about sharing a treasured recipe, making it an ideal gift. If you have a recipe you think the couple will really love, frame a copy of it or have it printed on a tea towel or even hand write it on a recipe card. Alongside this personalized keepsake, include a baking dish or platter for serving what’s sure to be a cherished tradition for years to come. Unsure which recipe to choose? Consider one of these classic comfort foods that nourishes the soul.
Anniversary Gift: Get Creative with Cooking Classes
Inspire your partner’s culinary creativity with a unique gift that keeps on giving—a voucher for a cooking class. This thoughtful anniversary gift not only opens the door to learning new skills but can double as an exciting date night to attend as a couple. If you and your partner are still finding your way around the kitchen, classes centered on creating charcuterie boards, or exploring the art of cheese and wine pairings can be just as fun and enlightening as a traditional cooking class. Finally, mark the memory by gifting a personalized cheese board engraved with your anniversary date and a heartfelt message—creating a cherished keepsake. Accentuate the significance of this gift by adorning the board with an assortment of your preferred goat cheese flavors, whether it be the robust notes of Chandoka, the richness of Chandoka, or the savory freshness of one of our chèvres like the Mediterranean Goat Cheese.
Celebrate every milestone, from birthdays to holidays and all the meaningful moments in between, with the unrivaled versatility and distinctive flavors of goat cheese. As you step into 2024 dedicated to crafting unforgettable memories, keep in mind that LaClare Creamery stands ready to assist. Elevate every gift with our exceptional range of products and flavors, each as unique as the special occasions you hold dear.