FEEDS: 4-10

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 5 different cheeses from the cheese counter of your favorite supermarket
• baguette slices
• nut bread
• dates or dried apricots
• salted nuts
• a chilled bottle of Chenin Blanc

LET'S COOK

A cheese tasting is a perfect theme for a gathering of family or friends. Shop for at least 5 different types or varieties of cheese. When you shop, be sure to select cheeses that range from mild to sharp, soft to firm. This is referred to as a flight of cheese. Ask questions when you shop and always request tastes of the ones you consider to be sure you like them. If you don’t get good advice from the staff, shop elsewhere.

Always allow the cheeses you’re going to serve to come to room temperature for about an hour before the tasting. Their flavor will be best that way. Start with the mild cheese and work your way to the strongest last. Savor a cheese like a fine wine, examine its appearance first, and rub a bit between your fingers to evaluate its texture, savor the aroma and then place a small amount in your mouth to enjoy its flavor. Pair salty cheeses with dates or other dried fruits. Mild cheeses do really well with nut breads and even salted nutmeats. Plain bread, like baguette, is fine for clearing the palate between cheeses.

MORE IDEAS:

Wash it all down with a glass of chilled Chenin Blanc.