This month Gay Lea asked me to share some of my secret indulgences and the first one that came to mind are the “girls nights in” that I end up hosting once a month. Yup! It wasn’t eating in front of the iPad watching Netflix ALL BY MYSELF or enjoying that decadent piece of chocolate with a glass of wine once the kids have gone to bed… nopes. Living in a household where I seem to be the only REAL cheese lover (seriously guys, melted cheese on pizza is the ONLY thing the hubs will eat and the kids aren’t far off in their love/hate relationship with cheese either!) I countdown to the wine and cheese nights while the hubs goes and plays board games with his posse. Sure I stay home with the kids, but each month I invite a couple gals over and we just chill on my comfy couch and snack the evening away. The kids eventually go to bed and no one minds them playing in the background so it’s a total win-win situation.
Disclosure : I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Gay Lea and I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog, as always, are TOTALLY ours!
I know many moms have told me that they don’t like to host at their place because it means a lot of work but I’ve found an easy way out – charcuterie boards. I mean who doesn’t love a good spread of finger food? I’ve trained my gals to not expect a full on sit down dinner on these night, it’s all about the simple things. My rules for these wine and cheese nights are petty simple, bring a bottle of wine and maybe a snack to share. I love putting together charcuterie boards and shopping for the occasion is immensely satisfying. Our deli section has a superb mix of spicy and non spicy meats (a favourite of mine has a ring of Parmesan on the outside!) and our cheese counter carries a good range of various cheeses so that we can discover new ones on a monthly basis. On one of these runs I spotted the Ivanhoe Horseradish cheddar many months ago and of course I picked it up! The addition of flavourful horseradish to the quality cheddar creates the most unique taste sensation. It’s mild but so creamy and has a bit of a kick that makes it such a novel addition to my boards. Don’t worry I love the classic brie, blue and aged cheddar as well.
Ivanhoe is part of the Gay Lea family and produces award-winning artisan cheddar as well as an extensive selection of specialty cheeses including Naturally Smoked Gouda and flavoured Monterey Jacks. They even offer Kosher and Halal varieties! It’s hard to find the many varieties offered by Ivanhoe cheese in downtown Toronto and I hope to visit the factory outlet the next time I’m in the Belleville area. The Salsa one sounds especially intriguing!
My friends love the boards I put together and I think the main reason is because I bring in a variety of sweet and salty combos when I prep for the night. My biggest tip as you prep a charcuterie board is to serve your cheese at room temperature. Keep cheese wrapped when you pull it out of the fridge, and only unwrap it right before serving. I will keep my cheese wrapped until the condo buzzer rings! Also, at the end of the night, if you have left over cheese ensure you wrap it up in new wax paper and cling film.
Some of my favourite accompaniments to our cheese and meat collection are green olives, Korean Pork Rind bites, chocolates, nuts and grapes. Some classics mixed in with some nontraditional items makes these nights deliciously satisfying. There’s a lot of rules around wine and cheese pairings and what goes best with which wine however, I’m not too fussed with that. I never know the spread of wines that will walk into our place and so it’s hard to really be prepared so I ensure I have a mix of soft, hard and ripened cheese to pick and choose as we go from Prosseco to Tempranillo over the course of the night!
Go on, tell me, what’s your secret indulgence?
If it involves baking you’re in luck because we have a fab giveaway thanks to the folks at Gay Lea! Enter below for a chance to win a KitchenAid Mixer!
Judy Cowan
February 7, 2017 at 10:45 amLove using cheese as a snack when we have company over.
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:06 pmYes.. easy and delicious!
Erin W
February 7, 2017 at 11:15 amMy secret indulgence is a good cheddar melted a little on crackers! Mmm.
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:06 pmLOVE melted cheese!
kristen visser
February 7, 2017 at 12:37 pmSeriously I would be happy with any of these prizes!!! Of course the KitchenAid Mixer has been on my list for a LONG time now but I am also in major need of oven mitts lol. I only have one and it’s worn
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:05 pmWe need to get you a matching pair! Good luck lady!
Amy Heffernan
February 7, 2017 at 5:16 pmCheese is awesome!!! It is great as an appetizer! Thanks!
Andrea Amy
February 7, 2017 at 5:19 pmYou can never have too many oven mitts! Grand prize looks amazing too!
Lee-Ann
February 7, 2017 at 5:25 pmOoohhh… always wanted a mixer!!!! And cheese…never can have enough cheese!
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:04 pmGood luck Lee-Ann!
Christine Topley
February 7, 2017 at 5:52 pmI have to admit that chocolate cheesecake is my secret indulgence. So creamy and decadent – Mmmmmm. I can never get it the right consistency mixing by hand. Having a mixer would be a dream. I’d be living in my kitchen making , creating and baking up a storm.
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:04 pmGood luck Christine!
Elaine G
February 7, 2017 at 6:24 pmMy indulgence is anything chocolate 🙂
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:03 pmGood chocolate is SOOO good!
Tara Betterley
February 7, 2017 at 8:11 pmA fridge is not complete without cheese.. The mixer is a must have when you are baking and cooking.
Yashy
February 7, 2017 at 10:03 pmTotally agree.. always want cheese in my fridge too!
amanda
February 7, 2017 at 9:41 pmIt has to be chocolate and wine!
Michelle Policelli
February 7, 2017 at 10:13 pmMy secret indulgence is cheese!
ivy pluchinsky
February 7, 2017 at 10:31 pmOh how I love cheese and wine nights! And these prizes are awesome!
Jonnie
February 7, 2017 at 10:54 pmCheese is my indulgence but it’s no secret. My favorite is five year old cheddar..yum!!!
Joni W
February 7, 2017 at 11:14 pmMy indulgence is anything chocolate. I’ve never met a chocolate covered anything that wasn’t awesome.
Linda G
February 7, 2017 at 11:15 pmCheesecake…..any & all varieties
maria
February 7, 2017 at 11:29 pmThis would be amazing to win! I have so many indulgences, chocolate and wine.
Wanda Tracey
February 7, 2017 at 11:31 pmCheese is my indulgence and I love any homemade dish or dessert that has cheese in it!!Cheesecakes are on the top of my list for a decadent indulgence. 🙂
Leslie C
February 8, 2017 at 4:43 amI love chocolate anything!
Thank you for this awesome giveaway!
Amber barrett
February 8, 2017 at 7:44 amMy secret indulgence is pumpkin cheesecake. I would love to win the mixer…. I have so many recipes I’d love to try out with my kids but I need this mixer to make them. Thanks for the chance.
Yashy
February 8, 2017 at 9:30 amOh that sounds so delicious! Wonder, could you make a pumpkin cottage cheesecake? You’ve got me thinking now, the Gay Lea Smooth vanilla cottage cheese would be a great addition!
Vesper Meikle
February 8, 2017 at 7:54 amAlways make sure we have enough cheese in the house and different varieties, my indulgence is very old cheddar
Yashy
February 8, 2017 at 9:29 amYes! I do love aged cheddar as well!
Sheila Russell
February 8, 2017 at 8:24 amCheese, chocolate & wine – all great indulgences
elldubbs
February 8, 2017 at 8:53 amI love cheese.
Rachel
February 8, 2017 at 10:01 amLove Kitchen Aid products and chocolate and cheese. I love it all!
Stephanie
February 8, 2017 at 10:32 amI love cheese! It makes the perfect snack paired with crackers or proscuitto!
LILLIAN BROWN
February 8, 2017 at 10:54 amCheese and wine gathering are my fave way to entertain and have a yearly one at Christmas
Alison Braidwood
February 8, 2017 at 11:49 amGoat’s cheese with everything is my (not) so secret indulgence.
Cairine
February 8, 2017 at 12:13 pmMost people like cheese, I would suggest some mild cheese for those who don’t like the really strong cheeses.
jan
February 8, 2017 at 12:44 pmOne of five? Wow. Very generous. Love that charcuterie board!
Angela Mitchell
February 8, 2017 at 12:45 pmThat board is exactly what I’d love to put on mine– all of my favourite things! I’ve got my fingers crossed for the mixer. Like so many people it’s been on my wishlist for a few years now.
LUZVIMINDA GUNTER-SMITH
February 8, 2017 at 2:09 pmLove chocolate and cheesecake, huh wanna try this
Jenn Beckett @jennpup
February 8, 2017 at 2:17 pmOoh, I have been dreaming of a mixer! My daughter would be soooo happy if we won!
Stephanie LaPlante
February 8, 2017 at 2:38 pmI’ve heard so many amazing things about these mixers. I’ve wanted one for a long time now.
Calvin F.
February 8, 2017 at 2:47 pmMy indulgence is ice cream, pretzels, and chips. I also like matcha chocolate.
Glogirl
February 8, 2017 at 2:51 pmI would love to try these cheeses. They would change up my usual choices as I tend to stick to familiar cheese like marble and cheddar.
Edith Rennes
February 8, 2017 at 3:52 pmI found this post to be very informative and interesting…thanks
Andrea
February 8, 2017 at 4:12 pmI love cheese and cheese anything…
Anita D.
February 8, 2017 at 4:17 pmI absolutely love cheese (and wine). I will have to give the horseradish cheddar a try.
Daniela Plume
February 8, 2017 at 5:32 pmWe absolutely LOVE wine & cheese!
Dayle B
February 8, 2017 at 6:47 pmMy fav. indulgence is almond and dark chocolate.
Sure like to snag this amazing swag.
Elaine Beierbach
February 8, 2017 at 7:30 pmWhat ea great prize
Joy D
February 8, 2017 at 7:43 pmMy secret indulgence with a quality chocolate paired with a good glass of white wine.
Jim Alix
February 8, 2017 at 8:07 pmGreat prize!
Elizabeth Matthiesen
February 8, 2017 at 8:22 pmMine is things like Spätzle with cheese, fully loaded baked potato or French Onion soup. Or a whole cauliflower that is half cooked, covered with sliced ham and then sliced cheese, then all covered with Béchamel sauce, in the oven for about half an hour and then you’re in 7th heaven. 🙂
Heather Swanson
February 8, 2017 at 10:13 pmcheesecake
Suzanne G
February 8, 2017 at 10:22 pmMy favourite indulgence is dark chocolate and a good glass of red wine.
Nicole Aben
February 9, 2017 at 12:40 amchocolate chips are my secret indulgence
Julie
February 9, 2017 at 8:06 amChocolate and potato chips are my secret indulgence and weakness!
Brenda Penton
February 9, 2017 at 8:26 amKorean Pork Rind Bites?! OMG! I need these. I really wish pork rinds were easier to find near me. I will be making them.
Yashy
February 9, 2017 at 10:24 amNot sure where you live but all grocery stores in downtown Toronto seem to carry them. Right in next to the pork chops and they’re SUPER cheap.. like $2 for a two roll!
Karla Sceviour
February 9, 2017 at 5:34 pmohh yum..love cheese!
Jolie
February 9, 2017 at 8:36 pmAmazing prize! Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
tracy k
February 9, 2017 at 8:44 pmmy favourite indulgence is chips haha..
Mary Warner
February 9, 2017 at 8:45 pmI always like visuals. I can then imagine me doing it.
Jennifer L.
February 9, 2017 at 9:53 pmI just can’t resist flourless chocolate cake. It’s sooo good.
Florence Cochrane
February 10, 2017 at 12:46 amMy secret indulgence is cheese cake. I love blueberry and cherry the best.
Nicole
February 10, 2017 at 1:34 amOne of my favourite easy dinners – lots of fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, meats & wine!
Wendy Jacinto
February 10, 2017 at 12:40 pmLove charteurie dinner! Easy & my kid and I love olives!
nicky
February 10, 2017 at 3:09 pmThat cheese and charcuterie board looks amazing! Making me hungry 😉
Sharon
February 10, 2017 at 5:46 pmMy secret indulgence is chocolate
Sarahj
February 10, 2017 at 6:17 pmFlourless chocolate cake…. How did I not know for this? Thanks for sharing!
Amy C
February 10, 2017 at 6:50 pmI love cheese and chocolate
Catherine Robichaud
February 10, 2017 at 7:36 pmMy indulgences are cheesecake and ice cream sandwiches.
ginette4
February 10, 2017 at 10:04 pmOur fridge always has at least 3 different kinds of cheese..we love cheese
Christy E
February 11, 2017 at 12:27 amMy secret indulgence is whip cream!
Yashy
February 12, 2017 at 12:14 pmOh nice! Have you tried the Gay Lea Coconut one? Soooo good!
Harvinderks
February 11, 2017 at 9:49 amMmmm! Love anything cheese or cheesecake.
Josh S
February 11, 2017 at 1:16 pmI enjoy a delicious chocolate cake.
kathy downey
February 11, 2017 at 1:25 pmWhat a wonderful prize good luck to all.i love cheese anyway at all !!
AD
February 11, 2017 at 2:56 pmA cheese and charcuterie board (including fruits, nuts, honey, etc.) is my go to as well for a girls night; I hosted one last weekend and that is exactly what I made for the girls!
Karen Forsyth
February 11, 2017 at 8:36 pmI would love to win this for my grandaughter who is a onderful young cook
Yashy
February 12, 2017 at 12:13 pmGood luck and what a great grandmother!
Leanne S
February 11, 2017 at 9:02 pmI’m a wine and cheese lover for sure.
Bernice
February 12, 2017 at 2:10 ammy secret indulgence is cupcakes, Especially Chocolate cupcakes
ERNII
February 12, 2017 at 8:51 amfave indulgence…..can only be….cinnnabon buns for me
Yashy
February 12, 2017 at 12:12 pmOh! Do you make them at home? Would love to hear your recipe
Robyn Bellefleur
February 12, 2017 at 5:26 pmCheese is my secret indulgence. Love all types and varieties, but a double cream brie is my absolute favorite.
Peter H
February 12, 2017 at 6:02 pmI’m here to win the Mixer.
Kim K
February 12, 2017 at 6:36 pmWhat an easy cheesecake recipe in the video, I’m going to try it out. Thanks for the giveaway
Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard
February 12, 2017 at 8:44 pmMy secret indulgence is cheese <3 xoxo
Melinda
February 12, 2017 at 8:51 pmWine and cheese make a great additon to a party!
Dorothy H
February 12, 2017 at 9:37 pmThat looks like an awesome spread.
Tracey Schmidt
February 13, 2017 at 10:38 amMy secret indulgence is warm fresh baked bread with lots of butter.
Gord
February 13, 2017 at 3:16 pmI’m dreaming of what I could be making if I won this beauty!
Gord
February 13, 2017 at 3:18 pmMy secret indulgence is milk chocolate in big beautiful chunks!
Linda
February 14, 2017 at 1:01 amI love putting out a meat and cheese board at parties. It’s the easiest way to feed a lot of guests.
nicolthepickle
February 14, 2017 at 7:56 pmMmh, nothing better than a good baguette with butter and cheese.
laurel keating
February 14, 2017 at 8:54 pmI love cooking but so does my partner, this will really come in handy thanks love the recipes
Mandy B
February 15, 2017 at 9:13 amAwesome giveaway LOVE to win this
Jen L
February 16, 2017 at 11:57 amYour pictures are very tempting – red wine and cheese, mmm.
Debbie White Beattie
February 17, 2017 at 12:56 pmI love all kinds of cheese mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, smoked cheese, spreadable cheese, cream cheese and cooking with cheese makes any recipe better.
Nate
February 18, 2017 at 10:11 amMy secret indulgence is chocolate
Jody D
February 18, 2017 at 11:32 pmCheese makes such a great appetizer for when guests are visiting before dinner!
Yashy
February 20, 2017 at 8:28 amIt’s so true! One of the reasons I love it so much – easy to whip up
Mike Gismondi
February 19, 2017 at 8:13 pmWhat a great prize!
Wanda Bee
February 20, 2017 at 6:32 pmThat KitchenAid would change my life!! Would love to win this and start creating all sorts of wonderful meals.
Jennie Yuen
February 21, 2017 at 6:25 pmLove wine and cheese!
Lisa McLain
February 21, 2017 at 6:37 pmGreat recipes, thanks for the chance i have always wanted a Kitchen Aid mixer ! Just not in the budget !
Jennifer Lo
February 23, 2017 at 12:28 pmMy girls love cheese!
Tracy D
February 23, 2017 at 2:29 pmWine and cheese…yes!
Lisa
February 23, 2017 at 9:18 pmGreat idea for a girls night!
Elizabeth Vlug
February 23, 2017 at 9:49 pmThat expression “it’s better with cheese” pretty much sums me up. My secret indulgence is salty feta. I can put this cheese on everything from salads, veggies and sandwiches. Fabulous prizes, thanks.
Elizabeth Vlug
February 24, 2017 at 8:35 amThose Parmesan Shortbread on the Gaylea site just might be my new indulgence. And they look pretty easy to make too.
CL Chin
February 24, 2017 at 10:03 amMy indulgences are desserts like creme brulee and any kind of chocolate!
Dianne G.
February 25, 2017 at 10:37 pmThere are so many delicious varieties of cheese and always the first thing to go on appetizer trays. I would love to win this mixer so I could make delicious desserts for entertaining.