say cheese!....

I guess it was bound to happen.... a newfound love affair with cheese (and olive oil, champagne and chocolate.... but I'll save that for another post).  Fromage (French for cheese) is serious business here.... and my cheese horizons were definitely broadened after my first fruitless searches for my bright orange cheddar or Monterrey Jack.  One could easily go a month without ever repeating the same type of cheese here when faced with an intimidating array of beautifully wrapped (and some rather stinky) offerings.... of which most I cannot begin to pronounce.  However,  I've settled on a few predictable favorites... a properly aged Gruyere, fresh buffalo mozzarella, creamy goat, and super sharp cheddar (I did finally find ONE; only one...it is not orange).... And, I have developed a keen craving for and appreciation of the taste bud joy that can be found on a simple cheese plate.  A wooden serving board or piece of slate....some accompaniments like nuts, dried apricots, a thinly sliced baguette, honey and a glass of wine and voila!..... instant fete!  Some pretty inspiration....

 source

the only problem.... getting some before the kids eat it all!