Dear fellow food-lover,

Welcome to The Cheese Plate, a monthly email from Oldways with curated information about different types of traditional cheeses, with ideal pairings. Let The Cheese Plate be a guide to put wonderful traditional cheeses on your plate.

Visit our Cheese Store Directory to find where to buy traditional cheeses near you and to support cheesemakers and retailers during these challenging times. For tips on buying cheese, download our e-book, The Cheese-Lover’s Guide to Cooking with Traditional Cheeses.
Cheese for the Holidays
Cheese has increasingly become a popular holiday food because it is a simple crowd pleaser that can be transformed into impressive appetizers with creative pairings or arrangements.

Cheese is easy to pre-cut and prepare ahead of time, which makes it a wonderful option to serve before the main meal.

Below you'll find creative cheese snacks to include on your holiday table.
Parmigiano Reggiano
A fun way to use Parmigiano Reggiano is to create cheese crisps. The recipe is simple:

  • While the oven preheats to 400°F, grate 1⁄2 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano.

  • Scoop heaping tablespoons of the grated cheese onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing the scoops about 1⁄2-inch apart.

  • Bake for 3 to 5 minutes until crisp and golden brown, then cool.
Manchego and Membrillo
Serve Manchego cheese with membrillo for a traditional Spanish appetizer that is perfect for holidays. 

Manchego is made with raw ewes’ milk. Its flavor features savory notes, and ends with a hint of tanginess. It has a Denomination of Origin, and the unique flavor that goes along with that honor.

Think of membrillo as a sweet fruit paté. It's a thick paste made with quince that has both a brightness and a touch of acidity, making it an ultimate complement to Manchego. 
Point Reyes Original Blue
Point Reyes Original Blue cheese has a rich creamy texture with medium-strong blue mold flavors, hints of sweet milk, and a zesty finish.

For an amazing appetizer utilizing this flavorful cheese, we suggest preparing Original Blue Whip atop of Ginger Crisps.

The silky smooth cheese paired with a crunchy ginger cookie, garnished with crystallized ginger, and drizzled with honey will surely delight your taste buds. Share the recipe with your loved ones, and enjoy it together virtually!
Pairing: Friends and Family
Cheese stores around the US are offering online classes and making it easy to ship special cheeses to your loved ones.

Find a store near you using our comprehensive Cheese Store Directory.
The Cheese Plate is made possible through the generous support of Emmi Roth, Gruyère AOP, Parmigiano Reggiano, FoodMatch and Whole Foods Market.