Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

wedge of firm cheese, like Parmigiano-Reggiano
wedge of blue cheese, like Stilton or Gorgonzola
wedge of Brie
4 ounce piece of aged cheddar or Gouda
4 ounce piece of soft goat cheese
sliced baguette, olive bread or cranberry-walnut bread
water crackers or crispy flatbread
jar of honey or fruit chutney
fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, figs, grapes and cherries
handful of nuts, like Marcona almonds or walnuts

Instructions:

1. Remove the cheeses from the refrigerator one hour before serving. Flavors are enhanced when the cheese isn't cold.

2. Serve one ounce of each cheese per person, and evenly space the cheese on a large platter or cutting board.

3. Set out a separate knife dedicated to each cheese. Soft cheese spreads well with a butter knife, while a harder cheese like Parmesan will need a sharp paring knife.

4. Surround the cheeses with accompaniments like bread, crackers, honey, fruit and nuts, and let guests discover their favorite flavor combinations!